Junebug Jog Adds Cycling for 33rd Year

May 02, 2022

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Registration is open for the Winfield community’s 33rd annual Junebug Jog events on Saturday, June 11 hosted by William Newton Hospital, Winfield Recreation Commission, and Walnut Valley Outpost.

“Our goal is to promote health, wellness, and active lifestyles for people of all ages in Winfield and the surrounding communities,” William Newton Hospital Director of Marketing, Strategy, and Communications Sarah Johnson says.

In 2021, the race location changed to Winfield High School, and more than 200 participants joined for the 5k, 1-mile, and Jr. events. The new location has enabled organizers to add a brand-new event in 2022: cycling. “We are happy to announce this year’s event will be named the ‘Junebug Jog & Ride’,” states Johnson.

The hospital and recreation commission joined forces with local bike shop Walnut Valley Outpost to offer an out-and-back 18-mile cycle with both gravel and paved options. The turnaround point for the ride features a landmark in New Salem, KS.

“Though our foot races have been going strong for more than three decades, we wanted to capitalize on the growing cycling trend,” Johnson says. “We’ve set a low entry cost and a moderate distance to encourage both avid cyclists and novices to join.”

All events begin and end near the main entrance of Winfield High School. The 5k course includes the iconic turnaround point at the Kansas Veterans Home. The Jr. Junebug races will take place at the Joe Vann track.

The 18-mile cycle begins at 7:45 a.m. The 5k and 1-mile events begin at 8:00 a.m. with staggered starts. Each of these will be digitally timed by TimerGuys. Race perks for the timed events include a t-shirt, race bib, free finish line photos printed and mailed, and a free ticket to the Midwest Moos game against the Wellington Heat on June 11 at 6:00 p.m.

The Jr. Junebug 100-meter dash for ages eight and under begins at 9:00 a.m. Race perks for the Jr. event include a race bib, medal, sweet surprise, and a free ticket to the Midwest Moos game. A t-shirt can be purchased for an additional fee.

Snacks and refreshments will be served at the finish line. Door prize drawings for all timed events will occur after the race events.

Members of Midwest Moos collegiate baseball team are making an appearance at the Junebug Jog & Ride as well. Catch them on the course as volunteers, and meet the players after the races. “Our list of local partnerships for this event just keeps growing,” says Winfield Recreation Commission Superintendent Troy Moree. “WRC and William Newton Hospital are excited to bring Walnut Valley Outpost and the Midwest Moos on board to offer more opportunities for our community members to be active.”

Online registration is now open at RunSignUp.com. Participants can also register in person at the Winfield Recreation Commission. Race-day registration is welcome.