Bix 7 Race Director Michelle Juehring says there is still time to register, with the deadline being midnight on Friday, July 26th.
Fortunately, those interested but unable to participate on Saturday at 8 a.m. can run or walk a virtual Bix 7.
"We already have close to 300 people signed up now," Juehring said in a phone interview with WVIK. "People that used to live in the Quad Cities and now have moved away or they're working and can't be there physically Saturday morning."
Virtual participants must register before the deadline and finish their 7-mile walk or run before noon on Saturday. Once they verify their race, a T-shirt and medal will be mailed to them.
Juehring has been the race director since 2020 and has been a part of the organization for 21 years.
"Well, the first year was COVID, so we went virtual, and each year since then has been a variation of returning back to normal," Juehring said. "I'm encouraging everyone to come on out and do the Quad-City Times Bix 7; this is the year to do it. We're calling it Go for the Gold."
She says there is also a race within a race with the Russell Beat the Elite happening within the Bix 7 race, where runners can go up against Grace Boleyn and Colin Cartee, who have a two-mile head start. If a runner beats either of them to the finish line, they receive $2,500 in cash.
Juehring listed numerous events this week leading up to the primary race on Saturday morning.
Monday, July 22
Tonight, the organization is unveiling a statue dedicated to former Bix 7 race director Karl Ungurean in front of the QC-Times in Davenport at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23
At 6 p.m., a new event called The Bechtel Trusts Senior Bix is happening outside the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, located at Bettendorf 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA. It's a 1.5-mile walk or run race for individuals aged 50 and over. The event is free, including for those registering for Saturday's event. Long-distance runners Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter will be in attendance.
Thursday, July 25
The Running Wild Sports & Fitness Expo is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., where people can still register and pick up their runner packet for the race and a look at vendors showcasing the latest in health fitness and wellness.
At 7 p.m., Genesis Sports Medicine Brady Street Sprints is a 400-meter sprint up Brady Street's hill. Eight race categories with cash prizes will be held, including a high school relay. Participants can register on the Bix 7 website.
Before and after the races, a party takes place at MLK Park in Davenport. According to Juehring, there will be food trucks, live music, and a 360-degree camera.
Friday, July 26
The Running Wild Sports & Fitness Expo is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., where people can still register and pick up their runner packet for the race and a look at vendors showcasing the latest in health fitness and wellness.
At 8 a.m., Bill Rogers and friends will address people outside the QC-Times before a 1-3 mile run around the area. The friends include Frank Shorter, Joan Samuelson, and Meb Keflezighi. There will be an autograph opportunity from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Running Wild Sports and Fitness Expo.
At 6 p.m., the Arconic JR Bix 7 race occurs for ages 0-5 on 3rd Street in Davenport while those aged 6-12 on 4th Street in Davenport. Juehring says the race can accommodate any child who wants to join.
Saturday, July 27
At 8 a.m., the Bix 7 race starts at 4th Street and Brady and finishes at 3rd and Leclaire Street.
Those wanting to run a shorter race can participate in the Prairie Farms Quick Bix, which is two miles long and starts at 8 a.m.
Walmart is sponsoring a post-race party from 8 to 11 a.m. The top ten will be awarded at 10 a.m., and the Age Group Awards will be held at R. Richard Bittner YMCA, located at 630 E. 4th Street.
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