Forty-one years ago, former APA President and CEO Ray Fowler initiated a tradition of a 5k race at the APA Annual Convention. For years, Div. 5 members have been participating in Ray’s Race, organized by the Running Psychologists, Section I of the Society of Sports, Exercise and Performance Psychology.
Notably, in recent years, members of the Div. 5 Executive Committee have made a concerted effort to participate in the event as runners and walkers. During this period, Div. 5 Executive Committee runners and walkers have included incoming and outgoing presidents, financial officers, section representatives, Score editors and Council of Representatives members. Importantly, Div. 5 members, spouses, family members and friends have joined in the race as runners or walkers as well. This is because the race serves as an excellent opportunity for Div. 5 members, researchers, applied psychologists, students, family members and friends to get together socially while getting some exercise in a beautiful part of the host city before heading over to convention sessions or the Assessment Breakfast, which for the past few years has been scheduled on the same Saturday.
In the past few years, approximately eight to 12 Div. 5 members have participated in the race in a given year. This is quite good considering that the race typically includes around 120 participants. Although I celebrate every Div. 5 member, family member and friend participating and finishing Ray’s Race, I should also draw attention to the fact that I am proud that we have had several notable Div. 5 finishes. In each of the past three years, Div. 5 members/affiliates have been included in the lists of overall top three finishers, as well as age group top three finishes in both runner and walker categories. Select photographs of racers and finishers are included on the Running Psychologists Facebook pageopens in new window – take a look and you may recognize a few happy participants.
I am hopeful that Div. 5 will continue to be well represented at Ray’s Race. The race in Chicago is particularly convenient this year, as it will not require bus transport to and from the race. The race start and finish is a close walking distance to the convention center and host hotels. Thus, we really have little excuse not to participate and go to the Assessment Breakfast afterwards.
The 41st Annual Running Psychologists “Ray’s Race” 5k Run and Walk will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 7 a.m. at McCormick Place. The 2019 race features a flat, fast out-and-back USATF Certified 5k course, completely on the lakefront path. The course offers great views of the city, historic landmarks and Lake Michigan and is a great way to experience Chicago.
All APA Members, family and friends are invited to register for “Ray’s Race” 5k Run or Walk. So, if you have not registered yet, please register now. Race registration is $40 for APA members, family and friends; $30 for students. All participants will receive a t-shirt and there will be prizes in all age categories for runners and walkers. The fastest division and the division with the most participants will also be recognized.
Registeropens in new window online today for Ray’s Race. Note, to register in the walk category, you must agree to only walk. If you want to do any running, even 10 seconds, you must register in the run category. Also, during your registration you will be prompted to identify your primary division affiliation; if you are a member of Div. 5, family member, spouse or friend, I hope you will choose Div. 5 as your primary identifier for 2019 Ray’s Race.
Although registration fees go to race costs, registration fees only cover part of the race expenses which include management, city permits, prizes and refreshments. The event cannot go forward without sponsorship. Sponsors and sponsorship levels are varied. Although sponsors are recognized on materials at the registration booth for Ray’s Race at the annual convention, with corporate level sponsorship acknowledged on race t-shirts, I would like to acknowledge that sponsors include publishers and testing companies with whom Div. 5 members are directly affiliated. I look forward to going to the race booth and picking up my t-shirt to see who the sponsors are this year.
Happy running and walking. See you in Chicago.