Runners prep for 12th annual Hull of a Race

By Matt Dutton Herald-Whig

Posted: Jul. 25, 2017 

HULL, Ill. -- The annual race that sprung up just over a decade ago in the wake of two Parkinson's disease diagnoses in the small village of Hull has seen $100,000 donated to fight the disease. 

Marilyn White was one of the two women diagnosed in 2006. "Hull of a Race" has fueled White's fight with Parkinson's and kept her going -- along with her bullheadedness and sense of humor. This year will mark the 12th annual 5K/10K run/walk. 

"It's a high for me," White said. "We're a small town, but we have big ideas."?The race has seen up to 250 participants -- over half the village's population -- take off from the village park, run through the streets toward the bluff, and finish back in the park. The route is one of only a few USA Track and Field-certified courses in the area, and 5K and 10K routes are both available. 

Hull of a Race will be Saturday, Aug. 19. The half-mile kids fun run will begin at 8 a.m., with the adult 5K and 10K runs immediately following. The race coincides with the annual Hull Picnic, which will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and will continue until 9 p.m. Saturday. 

"It's an all-day event," White said. "We work for months getting it ready." 

White, who is co-director of the race along with Jim Reed, said they try to incorporate something new into the day's lineup each year. This year will be a silent auction. Previous additions have included quilt drawings and merchandise raffles. More than $1,000 worth of merchandise has been donated to the raffle this year. 

"We have a patriotic theme this year. All the runners will have red, white and blue shirts," she said, "and ‘Hull of a Race' will be front and center." 

Registration is $10 for children, $25 for adults and $60 for a family of up to four if completed before Saturday, Aug. 5. After that date, registration jumps to $15, $30 and $65, respectively. To register online, go to hullofarace.com Registration can also be completed beginning at 7 a.m. the day of the race. 

Money raised through the event is donated to the American Parkinson's Disease Association's Greater St. Louis Chapter to support research on the disease. 

For more information, call Marilyn White, 217-242-6338, or Jim Reed, 217-430-2933.

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