The RyR Endurance Team is gearing up for its second annual RyR Race Weekend, set for Nov. 15–16 in Owensboro. The event will feature races ranging from a 5K to a 50K ultra marathon, with proceeds benefiting Wendell Foster in memory of 7-year-old Georgia Claire Powell.
Registration is open now at the RyR Endurance Team website and will remain available through race morning.
“We’ve been fortunate to see this grow quickly,” said event organizer Dean Roberts. “Last year we had runners from several states, and even one from Great Britain. This year, we already have participants from 13 states and one from Ireland.”
The event offers a variety of distances — 5K, 10K, half-marathon, casual marathon, competitive marathon, and a 50K ultra. All races will be run on the David C. Adkisson Greenbelt and begin at Horse Fork Creek Park just off KY 54 on Fairview Drive. Roberts said the route was designed to be both flat and spectator-friendly, making it ideal for personal records and Boston qualifiers.
“The inspiration came from all the races we’ve run across the country,” Roberts said. “We always look for flat marathons, and there just wasn’t one in Kentucky. The Derby, the Louisville, and the Bowling Green marathons are all hilly. So we decided to create one that’s flat and certified for people who want to qualify for Boston or New York.”
The loop-style course ensures fans can easily support runners throughout the event. The 5K is one lap, the 10K is two, the half-marathon is five, the marathon is nine, and the ultra-marathon is 11 laps.
“It’s very spectator-friendly,” Roberts said. “You’ll be able to see your runner at least every mile and a half — twice each lap — without ever moving. That’s something that’s hard to do at most races.”
Roberts wife Paula also plays a pivotal role in organizing the race weekend. She said they continue to look for volunteers, sponsors, and more local runners.
“We’ve got participants from all over the United States, but not very many locals,” Paula said. “We’d really love to see Owensboro show up and take part.”
Participants will find multiple aid stations and restrooms on every lap, along with a self-serve table for staging personal hydration and nutrition.
Proceeds from this year’s race will once again benefit Wendell Foster, but this time in honor of Georgia Claire Powell, who passed away in 2024.
“Last year, we donated to Wendell Foster,” Roberts said. “This year we’re doing it in memory of Georgia Claire, a young lady who touched so many lives.”
Roberts said registration prices will remain the same as last year, with no early-bird discounts.
“We didn’t raise prices last year and don’t plan to this year,” he said. “We want to keep it accessible for everyone.”
Sponsors for the 2025 RyR Race Weekend include Legends, Fast Tech, Century Aluminum, Greensman Landscaping, and Artware Express.
For start times, registration, or more information, visit the RyR Endurance Team website.
