Corn Dog Classic raises $1,400 for Blackwell Associated Charities in inaugural run

There were wrestling singlets, challenge coins, nearly 100 runners and, appropriately enough, 100 corn dogs waiting at the finish.

The Blackwell Wellness Committee's inaugural Corn Dog Classic 5K hit the streets Saturday morning, turning a fair-themed run through Blackwell into a $1,400 fundraiser for Blackwell Associated Charities.

Nearly 100 participants gathered at the Blackwell Fairgrounds for the first-year event. The route carried runners from the fairgrounds up Ferguson Avenue to 13th Street, across Blackwell Avenue to B Street and ultimately back to where they started.

With clear skies overhead, runners and walkers took to the course while volunteers, local organizations and City departments were stationed throughout the route.

By the time the final participant crossed the finish line, the fledgling Wellness Committee had more than just a successful first 5K to celebrate.

“We could not be more proud of what our committee — and the people of Blackwell — accomplished with our inaugural Corn Dog Classic,” the Wellness Committee said following the event. “It’s important to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle, but just as important is helping your fellow man.”

Proceeds from the event benefited Blackwell Associated Charities, located at 212 E. Bridge Ave.

The organization provides a variety of assistance to area residents in need, including clothing vouchers, personal hygiene products and gasoline assistance for transportation to medical appointments. Utility assistance is also available when funding permits.

Blackwell Associated Charities can be reached at 580-363-1290.

The 5K grew from the Wellness Committee's broader effort to encourage healthier lifestyles throughout the community.

Blackwell already has two certified Heart Healthy walking trails at McClung and Riverside parks and recently received grant funding through the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, or TSET, for new signage throughout the community.

The Corn Dog Classic gave the committee an opportunity to combine that emphasis on physical activity with another goal — giving back.

And organizers say Saturday won't be the end of it.

“The 5K wasn’t just a fun one-and-done,” the committee said. “After the outpouring of support from participants and sponsors, we are already making early plans for next year’s event and thinking of other fun things we can do.”

One idea was already being tossed around Saturday morning: a St. Patrick's Day-themed run.

Whether that idea makes it to the starting line remains to be seen, but the Corn Dog Classic appears poised to return.

While runners did the legwork Saturday, the inaugural event was the culmination of months of work from the committee and support from businesses, organizations, volunteers and City departments.

Bliss Gift Boutique produced the event T-shirts given to early registrants, while the Kay County Free Fair Board provided challenge coins presented to the first 30 participants across the finish line.

Kay Electric donated goody bags. Redneck Quiltin made the event medallions, which were engraved by D & L Custom Laser Crafts. D& L also created the 1st Place Plaque, as well. 

And because no event called the Corn Dog Classic would be complete without its namesake food, Shepherd Oil supplied 100 corn dogs for participants.

Water stations along the course were staffed by the Blackwell OK Okies 4-H Club, Blackwell Economic Development Authority & Industrial Authority, Blackwell Tourism and Blackwell Fire Department.

The Blackwell Police Department monitored traffic along the route, while the Blackwell Street & Parks Department assisted with roadblocks.

The event also drew support from a lengthy roster of local sponsors, including BancFirst, Blackwell Tourism, Blackwell Economic Development Authority, Blackwell Family Medicine, King's Well Service, IQ Car Wash, Double R Oilfield Services, Arthur's, Super 8 by Wyndham Blackwell, Doolin Studios Lounge, Donut Palace, Los Potros, CFM Foundry, Kay Electric, Cherokee Strip Insurance Agency, Jovani's Pizza & Subs, SPS LLC, B & R Construction & Painting LLC, Kay County Free Fair Board, Shepherd Oil and Bliss Gift Boutique.

“This is what Blackwell is all about,” the Wellness Committee said, “people and businesses coming together like this for a good cause.”

Among Saturday's runners was a group accustomed to a different kind of competition.

Members of the Blackwell wrestling program showed up to tackle the 5K, with several running the course in their wrestling singlets.

“A group of our Blackwell wrestlers started the morning at the Corn Dog Classic 5K,” the Blackwell Wrestling Club said following the event. “We love seeing these boys get out, support community events, and represent Blackwell Wrestling. And a couple of them even came away with some hardware.”

Levi Vowell claimed first place overall with a time of 22:10.

Mason Young and Kelby Ingram followed, each recording a time of 23:10 to round out the event's top three finishers.

For a committee organizing its first 5K, however, the biggest number of the morning may have been the $1,400 headed to Blackwell Associated Charities.

The first Corn Dog Classic began as an effort to get Blackwell moving. By the finish line, it had become something more: nearly 100 people moving together for their community.