Still time to register for Memorial Run

Runners – and walkers – across the state still have time to register for the annual Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run set for May 20, 2023, at Cody Park in North Platte.

The annual race is aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health and is a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails.

With just a couple of weeks to go until race time, organizers are still hoping to see at least one person register from every Nebraska county and every state in the nation. As of early May, there were 72 counties and 18 states left to go.

People can participate in-person or virtually and can run or walk either a 2-mile or 5-mile distance. People can register at PlatteRiverFitness.com/PublicHealth.

The race on Cody Park’s flat course begins at 8:30 a.m. Central time, with race-day registration and packet pickup from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. at the park pavilion.

Those choosing to do the run virtually must register by 4 p.m. Central time May 19 and may complete their race anytime between May 19-21.

The run is organized by the Platte River Fitness Series with support by West Central District Health Department. Proceeds are donated to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation for the creation, maintenance or upgrade of trails at the 76 state park areas.

This year, funds raised from the race will help support the construction and upgrade of the Smith Falls State Park trail and walkway that leads to Nebraska’s highest waterfall. Improvements are aimed at replacing the aging wooden walkway with a more durable composite decking with steel framing. The new walkway will be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

To learn more about the trail project, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov. To donate to the fundraiser, visit TylerVanderheidenMemorial.com.