This morning I ran a 5K race in Festus, Missouri sponsored by an organization called Get Fit Festus. Festus is a town of just under 10,000 people. It’s located roughly an hour south of St. Louis in Jefferson County on Interstate 55.
The Get Fit Festus race itself was enjoyable, despite incredible heat and humidity (even at 8 a.m.). Held in West City Park, the race drew approximately 75 runners of varying fitness levels. Get Fit Festus is all about helping individuals become healthier and more active, so walkers, joggers and runners were all welcomed equally.
The race course was easy – mostly flat with one short hill – and included three laps around the park. The Festus Family YMCA, the Jefferson County Health Department and Jefferson Memorial Hospital partnered to present the race.
I expected to blog about the race itself, but as I learned more about Get Fit Festus, I realized that it’s the organization, not just the race, that’s notable. Get Fit Festus is a community movement that’s helping individuals learn more about health, nutrition and fitness and build activity into their lifestyles.
One of the most exciting things I’ve heard about lately in small town Missouri is the Complete Streets program that was officially adopted this week in Festus.
Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to move safely along and across a complete street.
How fantastic! When I left New York City, I was afraid of moving to the Midwest, where “everyone” drove their cars “everywhere” and “no” infrastructure existed for other forms of transportation. If I’m from here and I thought Missouri was that backwards, I can only imagine what people who’ve never even been in small town Missouri must think of us.
Huge kudos for the people of Festus who’ve come together to advocate for Complete Streets, and the group of individuals who’ve taken on Git Fit Festus. It’s folks like you who make me proud of our state and its small towns. Thank you for thinking differently and acting accordingly. You make our small towns something to write about.
Learn more about Get Fit Festus by visiting its website, and learn more about Complete Streets here.
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Thank you for coming out to the 5k and learning more about the work of Get Fit Festus. We still have a lot of work to do to help people realize that bicycling and walking CAN be viable forms of transportation, but the Complete Streets resolution is a big first step. We hope to see you at more events.
Oh, I’ve never heard of “Complete Streets”, but I love the concept (and the name). I’m glad to hear there’s such a program in Missouri!
[...] recognize Jefferson County’s need for wellness-focused events. The other race, sponsored by Get Fit Festus, was a smaller run and really embraced folks who are on the path to better [...]