Thomas Hospital and Wells Fargo Host 45th Annual Spring Fever Chase
Fairhope, Ala.—It’s time for runners and walkers to get ready for the 45th Annual Spring Fever Chase scheduled for Saturday, March 18, in Fairhope. This 10K run and 2-mile fun run/walk, sponsored by Thomas Hospital, an affiliate of Infirmary Health, and Wells Fargo takes participants on a beautiful and challenging course through the neighborhoods of Fairhope overlooking Mobile Bay. Proceeds from the race benefit physical education programs in Baldwin County Schools, including public, private and parochial schools.
A unique, yet important component of Spring Fever Chase involves a friendly competition for prize money. Schools with at least 25 race applicants (including parents who register through the school) receive $2 for each participant who registers; schools with fewer than 25 registrations are not eligible for cash awards. In addition to prize money awarded to schools for participation, Baldwin County coaches can also apply for Spring Fever Chase grants for physical education equipment. Last year, more than $8,000 in grant money was distributed to areas schools. With these funds, coaches were able to purchase items ranging from an in-ground volleyball system, hula hoops and table tennis equipment to self-defense and CPR courses.
Early registration is encouraged, but runners and walkers can also register on race day. Day-of race registration begins at 7 a.m. at the race starting line, located at the intersection of Bayview Street and Fairhope Avenue. Day-of race registration for the 10K closes promptly at 7:45 a.m. The 10K starts at 8 a.m. Registration reopens for the 2-mile runners and walkers from 8:10 - 9:15 a.m. The 2-mile fun run starts at 9:30 a.m.
A post-race party is held on South Mobile Street near the finish line, on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay. For the 10K, awards are presented to the first master's man and woman and the top three participants in each of the following categories: overall men and women finishers, wheelchair participants, race walkers and finishers in each of the 15 designated age categories for men and women. A $250 cash award is presented to anyone in the male, female and/or wheelchair division who breaks the 10K course record. For the 2-mile fun run, awards are given to the top three finishers.
Race applications are available at all three Infirmary Fitness Centers: ProHealth Fitness Center, Mobile; North Baldwin Fitness Center, Bay Minette; and Thomas Fitness Center, Fairhope. Participants can also register online at springfeverchase.com. For more information regarding Spring Fever Chase, call 251-279-1684.
