The historic Woodstock 5K is just around the corner . The annual race , known as the bird , is scheduled for August 5 , with a start / finish on Woodstock Avenue in Anniston . The race has been a staple in the Model City community for nearly four decades , and it has made an impression on a countless number of runners .
The Anniston Runners Club ( ARC ) sponsors the race and welcomes you to participate in the Woodstock 5K and Kidstock 1 Mile . ARC Vice-President , Nicole Dieckow , says “ So many people get too caught up in time , it ' s just important to keep moving .”
This is Dieckow ’ s first year directing the Woodstock 5K which will serve as the Road Runners Club of America ' s Alabama State 5K Championship race . She says , “ It ' s a huge honor established by the previous race directors . We have been truly lucky to have great members pour so much of themselves into this race .”
Woodstock is a challenging 5K with a famous up-the-hill finish on Woodstock Avenue , and Dieckow encourages everyone willing and able to participate . She says she ran in her first 5K when she was 24 , “ I was 250 pounds , but someone asked me join them .” She says during that race something lit a fire inside of her . “ Without that race , my life would be completely different .”
The ARC holds practice runs leading up to the Woodstock , and everyone is welcome . Those runs are July 1 , July 15 , and July 29 . Dieckow says there are also runs on Thursdays at 5:30 pm . The practice run on July 29 also serves as the ARC ’ s Remembrance Run . “ It ' s a 5K not for time , but to remember those we have lost ,” says Dieckow .
In addition , there is a cookout on Thursday before the Woodstock , provided by the Anniston Runner ’ s Club . After the race , on August 5 , runners are invited to celebrate with food , music , fellowship , and vendors .
Whether you ’ re just starting out or you ’ ve been running your whole life , the ARC encourages runners of all levels and abilities to participate . The message behind the Woodstock 5K is having fun while being healthy , and that ’ s what makes the Woodstock 5K Completely Calhoun County . ✽
Practice Runs
Practice runs begin at 7:30 am
• July 1
• July 15
• July 29
INSIGHT
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