41st Annual Inola Crazy Socks 8K Run set for this weekend

Kevin Green, Claremore Daily Progress, Okla.
·3 min read

Jun. 6—Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a fun-filled event that supports a great cause.

The 41st Annual Inola Crazy Socks 8K Run for St. Jude Children's Hospital is just around the corner, taking place on Saturday, June 10 at Inola Elementary School. As always, participants are encouraged to add a touch of whimsy to their attire by wearing their favorite wildest pair of "crazy socks."

The race will kick off at 7:30 a.m., providing runners with a flat and scenic course. The event includes a 1- and 2-mile fun run, as well as the 8K main event. Runners can conveniently register online through I-40 Race Service at https://runsignup.com/inola8k or register on the day of the run.

The 8K run covers a distance of 4.97 miles and will be chip-timed on a USATF certified course. Participants can also choose to take part in the untimed 1- and 2-mile fun run/walk. Following the race, runners can enjoy snacks, drinks and the chance to win exciting prizes.

To secure a t-shirt, it is recommended to preregister, for they will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. It is also important to remember that all proceeds from the event — after expenses — will benefit the renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Here are the essential event details:

Date: June 10, with a start time of 7:30 a.m. for all events.

Location: Inola Elementary School — 450 B St NW, Inola, OK 74036.

Preregistration Fees: $30 for the 8K run, $25 for fun runs.

Race Day Registration Fees: $35 for the 8K run, $30 for fun runs.

The top three male and female runners in each USATF Age Group will receive beautiful run medals, crafted locally by Inola Casting. The age groups range from 8 and under, 9 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 19, and continue every five years up to 75 and over.

Additionally, medals will be awarded to the first- and second-place finishers in the 1-mile and 2-mile fun runs.

Guaranteed T-shirts await all participants who preregister, adding a memorable keepsake to their race experience. For further information or inquiries, interested individuals can contact Rosalie Griffith at 918-637-2418 or rosalie.griffith2@aol.com.

As the event approaches and excitement builds, it is unknown if the notable defending champions will return to defend their titles.

Brandon Payne, a 33-year-old from Owasso, has claimed the male and overall championship title for the past two years. He clocked an impressive time of 27 minutes and 56 seconds in 2021 and followed it up with a win in 29:18 in 2022.

Notably, Payne's determination was showcased last year when he finished nearly five minutes ahead of the second-place finisher while pushing his 6-month-old son, Brady, in a stroller.

The defending female champion is Carrington Hessen from Jenks, who completed the race at the age of 16 in an impressive time of 38 minutes and 4 seconds.

The Inola 8K Run promises a morning of fitness, camaraderie and charitable support. So mark your calendars, put on your craziest socks and join the community in running for a worthy cause.