Ready to run for Good Life
Taylor residents have a chance to put on their running shoes this weekend and experience the Good Life.
The Good Life Taylor 5K is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 14. The race will begin at 8 a.m. at Bull Branch Park.
“We’re the only race that is on the street in Taylor, so that’s advantageous for serious runners who already run on the street,” Julie Rydell of Good Life Taylor said. “We offer a cash prize and I would say at least half of the people who have pre-registered are from other communities.”
Rydell said usually about 200 people participate in the run each year.
Residents not registered can sign up to run on race day for $35.
Rydell said the event is suited for all types of skill levels, whether the participant is an experienced runner or a beginner. Additionally, the event also has a kids race at 9:30 a.m. at the same location.
The Kid’s K is free and hosted by Taylor Parks and Recreation.
Rydell said one of the most popular portions of the event takes place after the children cross the finish line.
“We have a confettiegg battle,” Rydell said. “We’ll have about 200 dozen eggs that we’ll throw out into the field. Then everybody kind of just has a free for all.”
Good Life Taylor is a nonprofit that raises money for community events and community projects, with a specific focus on the city’s parks department. One of the organization’s more recent projects is the completion of Percussion Park, which was funded last year.
Now the nonprofit, in partnership with the city, is raising funds to restore the track at Memorial Field and add a fitness park to the area. The goal is to add exercise equipment mounted to the ground while also bringing in playground structures as well.
“The idea is that people will come and do a lap and then they can stop and work out at one of the stations and then get back and walk another lap,” Rydell said. “Then there will be a family-friendly space. Since it’s all contained, we’re hoping parents will feel comfortable bringing their kids and letting them stay while they get their workout in.”
Sponsors and other nonprofits will attend the event to promote their organizations.
Attendees will be able to purchase a number for chicken bingo, where they put a chicken in a cage and “wait for it to do its thing.” Winners will receive gift cards.
Rydell said the 5K run is Good Life Taylor’s main fundraising event each year.
Last year, hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities participated in the Good Life 5K race in Bull Branch Park. Courtesy photo
