RIVERFEST FIELD TO RUN AROUND THE HEAT

The organizers of the 15th Annual Kohlfeld Riverfest Run are hoping a more subdued Mother Nature is among those preregistered in this year's field.

The race, which will begin tonight at 7:30 as part of the Riverfest weekend festivities, has endured a rather rebellious Mother Nature in recent years.

In 1993, the race was rerouted to avoid rising flood waters. The past three years have witnessed rising temperatures on race day. The 1996 race was run in sizzling 90 degree temperatures and water again threatened the course.

This time around weather appears to be more suitable with temperatures forecasted for the low 80s and possibly in the 70s by race time.

As of Tuesday, a total of 160 runners were preregistered for the 5.25-mile run and the One-Mile Fun Run. Race organizer Joy Gilbert said the preregistration numbers are down from last year, but still hopes for as many as 350 participants.

Last year, 347 runners competed with Jim McQuaide of Granite City, Ill., winning the men's race and Karen Leathers of Cape Girardeau taking the women's title.

"We could hit that number this year," said Gilbert. "Being cooler this year we're hoping more people will feel like running."

McQuaide is not among those preregistered. Leathers is pregnant and unable to defend her title.

McQuaide may be among those to register before the race. Registration begins at the race site, Nation's Bank at Main and Broadway, at 5:30 p.m. and will continue through 7:15.

Gilbert said there are no past champions among those preregistered and doesn't expect many, if any, to participate.

"Most of the past winners haven't been in the area running," said Gilbert. "It's a new field."

Last year's women's runner-up Sunny Gilbert is among those already entered. She and the remainder of the field will be competing for $600 in U.S. Savings Bonds.

The winners of the men's and women's 5.25-mile race will each receive a $100 Savings Bonds. The masters' division winners (40 and over) will also receive $100 Savings Bonds.

Over 100 trophies will be awarded at the 9 p.m. awards ceremony.

In the 5.25-mile race, runners will travel N. Main to Cape Rock Road and reverse their course at Cape Rock Park. Motorists should take note that N. Main will be closed for approximately 45 minutes during the race.