Birthday party, live music also planned for annual celebration

Since 1994, the Rubber Ducky Regatta sent hundreds of cute yellow birds floating through the waters of the Broad River Greenway in an effort to raise funds for the park, located off of Highway 150 about three miles south of Boiling Springs. This year, instead, it will be floods of runners cruising along the riverfront as they participate in the Broad River 5K Trail Race on Sunday, September 20, 2015.
The Broad River Trail Run will be part of a celebratory day at the greenway that will also include a birthday party for the park. The dual event is replacing the greenway's traditional Rubber Ducky Regatta.
"We just wanted to do something new and fresh," says Kim Duren, executive director of the greenway.
Most people are familiar with 5K races: Many are held each weekend to raise awareness and funds for a variety of causes. But in a trail race, instead of a paved road, runners traverse a 5 kilometer (3.1 miles) natural-surface path. Organizer Bill McCarter says that trail races are very popular in the mountain counties of North Carolina, but that this is the only 5K trail race in Cleveland County.
"Natural surface" can mean many things, including pine needles, sand or packed earth, McCarter explains. But while the surface is different, any runner can take part. "Anybody who is an active runner should be able to participate," says McCarter.
Last year's race had 83 participants, and organizers are hoping the number will increase this year. Prizes are offered in a variety of age groups and for the top overall male and female finishers.
Prior to and following the race, which will begin at 4 p.m., children of all ages are invited to participate in the greenway's birthday party, which will take place from 3 - 5 p.m. Planned activities include live music along with 10 education stations that will cover topics such as beavers, rocks and gems, birds, frogs, fish, and even bubbles. Birthday cake will also be served.
For more information about the birthday party or the trail race, visit the greenway's Facebook page or their web site at www.broadrivergreenway.com.

By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF
Special to Shelby Shopper