2017 Constitution 5K/Run for the Arts Promotes Health and Creativity

Published 8:34 am Tuesday, September 5, 2017

COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

News release

Runners throughout the region are preparing for the 39th annual Constitution 5K, scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept.9. Organized by Danville Bike and Footwear, the race benefits the educational programs of the Community Arts Center. 

Email newsletter signup

“For the past nine years, we’ve partnered with Danville Bike and Footwear on this event and we’re so grateful for their support,” says Arts Center Director Niki Kinkade. “Proceeds from the Constitution 5K/Run for the Arts help make it possible for us to offer a wide range of educational programs for children and adults alike and help us maintain our policy of free admission to our exhibits.”

Over its nearly 40-year history, the number of other charity races in the region has grown, but the Constitution 5K/Run for the Arts continues to be a local favorite, in part due to its location. 

“This is one of the last downtown races,” says organizer Ernst Crown-Weber, owner of Danville Bike and Footwear. “Most others have moved out to Millenium Park, so this is a great chance for people to enjoy a beautiful run through downtown Danville on a course that is mostly fast and flat.” 

The race winds through downtown and the Centre College campus before ending in front of the Community Arts Center.

Or maybe it’s the awards that keep people coming back. Staying true to its identity as a “Run for the Arts,” the race organizers commission local artists to create the awards each year. This year, Arts Center Creative Director Brandon Long and local potter Paul Muth worked together to create handcrafted ceramic medallions for the age-division winners. The awards for overall winners are hand-painted ceramic trophies.

Runners may register in-person  — the fee is $20 per person — at Danville Bike and Footwear at 417 W. Main St. or online at www.communityartscenter.net/run. Registering in-person costs $20 a piece, while online is $22 a piece. A family registration rate of $50 in person or $52 online is also offered for up to four members of the same household who register together. For families with young children, the Arts Center is facilitating supervised art activities during the race. 

Check-in for the race takes place at Weisiger Plaza, while the starting line is at Constitution Square. Day-of registrations will be accepted.

The 2017 Run for the Arts again corresponds to the kick-off of the McDowell Wellness Center’s Get Moving Challenge and racers are encouraged to participate in the eight-week fitness challenge. Runners who register for both events will be entered in a drawing to win two free passes to a Starry Night Studio painting workshop.