Run, Walk, Dash to Reading By Dawn Kitchell

Reading and running enthusiasts, lace up your sneakers and prepare to join Newsbee on Saturday, Oct. 14 for the annual Run to Read. The event will begin and end at the Washington Public Library.
Everyone who participates in the Run to Read receives a free hardback book of their choosing, from hundreds of child, teen and adult titles. Registration is complementary for teachers and librarians to celebrate all they do to promote reading.
Run to Read is held annually to benefit local literacy efforts and to share hundreds of new, recently released hardback books. This year’s event includes a 5K (3.1 mile) run, 1-mile Story Stroll and Baby Buzz Dash. All the fun gets under way at 8 a.m.
Bobble-head bee trophies, the popular prize of the Run to Read, will be given in these categories: the school with the most participation in Run to Read, fastest educators, youth, teens and adults across the finish line in both male and female categories.
The Four Rivers Area Family YMCA and The Missourian organize the event help from the Washington High School Cross Country Team, Washington Middle School Student Council and Washington West Elementary Girls on the Run club.
Tracy Nelson Maurer, the author of more than 100 books for young readers, will be the featured speaker. Maurer’s book, “John Deere, That’s Who!” was an August Missourian Book Buzz Pick. The 1-mile story stroll will highlight Maurer’s books and she will speak following the fitness.
After Run to Read, from 11:30 to 1 p.m., Maurer will be at Neighborhood Reads bookstore across the street from the library, 401 Lafayette, to sign books. Also available will be her book, “Noah Webster’s Fighting Words,” in celebration of Noah Webster’s birthday and National Dictionary Day on Monday, Oct, 16.
Registration for the Run to Read is $12. The deadline has passed to receive a T-shirt for the event, but everyone will get a book. Registration forms are available at the Four Rivers Family YMCA in Washington, online at emissourian.com, and at Neighborhood Reads. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m.