Kilgore to Logview 11 Mile Race

History:  During the “running boom” of the 1970s the Longview Running Club was formed to provide camaraderie for Longview area runners and a race they could participate in once per month (at that time, road races were not common like they are now).  In 1976, in celebration of our nation’s bicentennial, the Longview Running Club presented a special event, a race from Kilgore to Longview, a distance of 11 miles.  That event was enjoyed by those who participated, so the club did it again the next year….and the next….and the race became an annual event through 2001.  When a construction project on Highway 31 prevented the race in 2002, the Longview Running Club held alternate events….a Diana to Longview Race, a 5K Memorial race, and the Longview Half Marathon.  In 2017 the club is proud to bring back the original Kilgore to Longview race, on its original routing and distance.  We hope everyone has a great time!

 

Race Description:  The Kilgore to Longview race is an 11 mile point to point race starting in downtown Kilgore and finishing beside the Longview Rodeo Arena.  It will follow the same route that was run during its first 26 years, starting on Kilgore Street in downtown Kilgore, then running along Highway 259 out of Kilgore and joining Highway 31, following 31 to Longview.  Runners will turn left onto Jaycee Drive, then turn right onto Lake Lamond Road, then turn right again onto TexPack Road and the finish Line. 

 

BUS TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO FERRY RUNNERS FROM THE REGISTRATION AREA AT THE LONGVIEW RODEO ARENA PARKING AREA TO THE START AREA IN DOWNTOWN KILGORE. THE FIRST BUS WILL DEPART THE REGISTRATION AREA AT 6:00 AM AND THE LAST BUS WILL DEPART AT 7:20. RUNNERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE THE EARLIER BUSSES AND AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF LATE BUSSES BEING FULL. THERE WILL BE INDOOR SHELTER AVAILABLE FOR RUNNERS IN DOWNTOWN KILGORE. RUNNERS MUST HAVE THEIR BIB AND TIMING CHIP IN ORDER TO BOARD BUSSES. NO BIB OR CHIP - NO RIDE. NON-RUNNERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON BUSSES.

 

RUNNERS WHO DO NOT WISH TO RIDE BUS TO START MAY TAKE PERSONAL VEHICLES TO DOWNTOWN KILGORE. THOSE RUNNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THEMSELVES TO THE START LINE BY 8:00 AM. THERE WILL BE NO POST-RACE BUS TRANSPORTATION FROM THE FINISH BACK TO KILGORE.  

 

Awards:  First and second place overall male and female will receive cash prizes of $250 and $150, respectively.  Top finishing Longview area male and female will receive a goodie bag containing gift cards from local sponsors. Awards not duplicated in the case of first or second overall being a Longview area resident.

 

Top three finishers in each 5-year male and female age group will receive an award. 

 

Packet Pickup:  Race packets may be picked up on Thursday, February 9, at Sportspectrum, 6970 Fern Ave, Shreveport LA from noon - 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 10 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Move Athletic, 716 Glencrest, Longview TX.  Packets may also be picked up on race morning until 7:10 AM.  Packet pickup will end at 7:10 on race morning.

 

Chips:  You must get your chip on race morning at the registration area outside the Longview Rodeo Arena.  You will need your packet (bib number) in order to get your chip.  You need your chip and bib in order to board the bus.  No chip or bib = no ride.  Chips will be available starting at 5:50 AM.  MAKE SURE THE NUMBER ON YOUR CHIP MATCHES YOUR BIB NUMBER.

 

Beneficiary:  Proceeds earned by this race will benefit the Longview and Kilgore chapters of Habitat for Humanity.

 

Questions:  Contact race director [email protected]