The Bass Pro Marathon is right around the corner on Sunday, Nov. 7, and it’s time for neighborhoods to start planning their themes and assigning volunteers.
Bass Pro is again setting aside $10,000 to reward the registered neighborhoods for their participation in cheering sections during the marathon. Awards will be chosen based on level of participation. The is a great way for registered neighborhoods to welcome the runners to Springfield and to earn money for neighborhood improvements and projects.
“We recognize that the need to remain fluid in our actions and that we may need to do some things differently this year. The safety and health of our participants have always been a priority for us and that will not change. We will keep planning, we will depend on your support as we move forward and we will keep the lines of communication open,” said Melissa Bondy, Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series program director, community and corporate well-being.
Tips for success
We recommend that each neighborhood have a strong theme that represents their station. This should include signage, costumes, food/beverage options, and so forth. For example, say your neighborhood had an 80’s theme and your team dressed in 80’s as your runner’s fuel – clothes, big hair — you could theme your stop in any number of ways. Having a consistent theme will help runners and walkers identify you and will provide your team with a better opportunity to win. Possible theme ideas: KC Chiefs Fans, sporting team, Missouri hillbillies, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Fast and Furious, Harry Potter, nuns, race cars, pajamas, aliens, etc.
Your neighborhood is required to have at least 10 participants for your cheering section (you may consider shifts throughout the race if all 10 participants cannot stay the entire time). Neighborhoods may partner together at a cheering section if unable to get the required participants on their own.
Time required on race day will depend on where each neighborhood will be located on the course. The locations will be determined once there is a final count of all neighborhoods participating. Most groups will be on the course a minimum of 6 hours, but again, the participants can take shifts to cover the cheering section for the entire allotted time.
If you plan to hand out food and/or beverages, please keep in mind that runners will want foods that are easy to digest and quick to grab. Suggestions: orange slices (real oranges – not the candy), gummy bears, jelly beans, coconut water, water flavored with real fruit slices, iced green tea with honey, raisins, dates, dried cherries, pretzels, marshmallows, energy gels. Most are available at Fleet Feet Sports or on Amazon.
Questions? Please contact Alana Owen at 417-864-1831 or aowen@springfieldmo.gov.