Mark Schlachtenhaufen
EDMOND — Fresh techno shirts, echo-friendly goodie bags, the use of chip timing, an Olympic hopeful and holding it on Valentine’s Day will help make this year’s Frigid 5-mile run cooler than ever, organizers said.
In recent years, the event, sponsored by the Edmond Running Club, has grown from 200 runners to this year’s expected milestone of 1,000, said Lissa Wohltmann, race director. Last year, 630 runners participated.
“If the weather holds out, I could see 1,000 runners this year,” Wohltmann said.
For the first time in Frigid 5 history, the run will use chip timing, Wohltmann said.
Chip timing systems require that athletes wear a small, lightweight chip that uniquely identifies them as they cross strategically placed, electronic mats, Wohltmann said. The chip typically is worn on a shoe lace or an ankle bracelet, depending on the system being used.
Another “first” this year is the use of reusable goodie bags, Wohltmann said. Adding an echo-friendly element fits in with an event that takes place in an outdoor setting, she said.
Molly Brill, who serves on the event oversight board, said the bags, donated by Oklahoma City’s Robyn Promotions and Printing, cost about the same as plastic. Brill said 1,000 bags were ordered to match the expected number of runners.
The reusable bags are a way for the event to give back to the community, Brill said.
Edmond resident Jerry Faulkner, manager of OK Runner in Edmond, has an impressive running résumé that includes wins at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and the Frigid 5-mile run.
The 27-year-old recently set a course record in winning the Route 66 Marathon in November. He said his personal best in the marathon is 2 hours, 27 minutes.
Faulkner has his sights set on the Twin Cities, the site for the 2009 Olympic trials. Faulkner’s goal is to qualify for the trials and place in the top 3, which would put him on the U.S. Olympic Team.
Running in the “cold” doesn’t bother Faulkner. In fact, he said it’s a bit easier on the body.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Faulkner said.
Wohltmann said a race goal is to involve more high school students. Clyde Stevens, a longtime member of the Edmond Running Club, said a large number of Santa Fe High School students have volunteered, and others have come from Edmond North.
Wohltmann said volunteers are an important aspect of the race.
Participants may get their sleeve-printed techno Frigid 5 shirt the day before the race. Runners can pick up reusable goodie bags from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday at Elite Feet in the Kickingbird Shopping Center, at the corner of Danforth and Bryant.
Race day activities include the 1-mile children’s run, which starts at 8:30 a.m. at Mitch Park. The Frigid 5-mile run starts at 9 a.m.
New music and a huge sound system will help create a party atmosphere. There will be plenty of awards, door prizes and great food/drinks inside the multipurpose activity center. Awards will be given for standard five-year USATF age groups, top three overall male and female winners and top three masters male and female winners.
FOR MORE details, visit edmondrunningclub.com.
