World's Largest Route 66 Rocker Celebrates Birthday with
"Race to the Rocker"
Cuba, MO: JOG, inc., or Joggers of God, in Cuba teams with the Route 66 Fanning Outpost General Store to sponsor a unique four-mile "straight shot" run to the distinctive 42 foot steel rocking chair that looms over Route 66, 4 miles west of central Cuba. The race is slated for April 4, 2009, rain or shine, at 9:00 am. It will start from Britton Funeral Home at 904 W. Washington.
Cuba, designated "Route 66 Mural City," by the Missouri Legislature for its 12 outdoor murals, is an attraction for travelers who stop to visit the city's artwork. The 12 outdoor murals commissioned by Viva Cuba, a local beautification organization, encouraged additional paintings and sculptures inside and outside businesses throughout the town as the community embraced the idea of public art.
According to race director of this Missouri running club, Brad Austin, "This is a chance to combine both the running, which our group loves, and the town's art with a fun event to benefit the high school track." The money made from the race will be donated to buy equipment for the new track, which is being built in the community of 3500.
JOG, inc, organized in 2008 when a band of runners/walkers formed a group to share exercise and the beauty of God that they saw while they were running. The group participates in twice weekly runs, and the Race to the Rocker will be their first sponsored event. The organization is a chapter of the Road Runners Club of America. Big River Running Company will provide timing equipment for the race.
Dan Sanazaro, owner of the Route 66 Fanning Outpost General Store, who conceived of the giant rocker as a means of attracting travelers to his gift and convenience store and adjoining archery and taxidermy center, sees the event as a way to celebrate the birthday of the rocker, erected on April 1, 2008.
"This is a way for us to celebrate the rocker and help give back to the community by supporting the track project," states Sanazaro. Sanazaro applied to the Guinness organization to achieve official recognition for the rocker and hopes to soon hear from the organization.
The race t-shirt features the distinctive rocker, and the race's goal will be what JOG, inc. stresses in their written guidelines when they encourage members "to run, walk, be healthy, and have fun." Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to join the event.
This promises to be a fun run with a little extra pizzazz for runners and viewers alike.
To register online, visit www.GetMeRegistered.com under April events. Or contact Rachelle Austin at rachaustin2000@yahoo.com or call her at 573- 881-1581. A registration form and info is available at the Jog, inc. website www.jog-inc.com. For information on Cuba, visit cubamochamber.com.
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