Running Nevada Day

The annual Nevada Day Classic will once again kick off the Nevada Day festivities on Oct. 31.

"It's a community event," said race director Tom Wion. "It's totally open for the walking crowd up to the fastest runners. We'll have people averaging 5-minutes-per mile up to 15- and 17-minute miles."

The races will start at Telegraph and Curry streets. The 8k run will begin at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 2-mile walk and fun run at 8:25 a.m.

The mostly flat course winds through the streets of the historic district, passing some of Carson City's most famous homes.

"I consider it a tour of Carson City," Wion said. "You're seeing the most scenic part of town. You're running up Winnie Street looking at the mountains."

The race, sponsored by the Carson Nugget, Fleet Feet Sports and the Sagebrush Stompers, has been a tradition for about 30 years.

Racers finish the course running a half mile down the parade route in front of the crowd.

"It's really the only race in Carson City with spectators," Wion said.

Wion, vice president of the running club Sagebrush Stompers and Tahoe Mountain Milers, said it's a serious race dedicated to having fun.

"You'll see costumes. You'll see people pushing strollers."

He said in coming years he'd like to see it develop more into a Halloween event with costume contests and prizes.

The entry fee is $30, with family discounts available. Racers can pick up their packets at Carson City Fleet Feet from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the day before the race or 7-8 a.m. upstairs in the Carson Nugget on race day.

Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of Northern Nevada.

Participants will be broken up into age divisions and awards will be given to the top finishers in each division. All participants will receive a T-shirt fitting this year's Nevada Day theme: "Nevada Salutes Abe Lincoln."

The awards ceremony will take place after the race in the ballroom upstairs in the Carson Nugget. Refreshments will also be served.