On Saturday, more than 1,000 runners will gather at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia for the sixth annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Half Marathon and 10K Run, as a part of the annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival. Those participating this year can expect a new and improved scenic view as they run.

“This year, both courses are completely new,” says race director and Columbia native Patrick Hanson.

Because of the change in location of the festival, this year the 10K route will start at Stephens Lake Park, trotting through the scenic Hominy Creek Trail. Racers will be thrilled as they go under Highway 63 into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Although mostly new, the half marathon track does use parts of the original trail. Runners will also begin at Stephens Lake, which connects to Hinkson Creek Trail, heading toward downtown CoMo.

“My favorite part about the race has to be the music on the course,” Hanson says. “The half marathon course includes four different bands, and the one at the end adds an extra dynamic to the race.”

A scenic route plus good music?

“It’s just not something every race does,” he says.

No one can just wake up and decide to run a 10K or half marathon, however (unless you are Sonic the Hedgehog, but that’s a different story). After registering online at the festival’s website, prospective racers are given an extensive twelve-week training program to help prepare for the rigorous race.

No need to be disappointed if you haven’t signed up yet. Get your Nikes out and come out for the fun. Hanson says registration forms will be available on-site.

After completing the course, runners will receive a free barbecue sandwich and an alcoholic beverage (if of legal age, of course). There will be music galore, making for an all-around exciting time for those expected to attend.

Although a considerable experience on its own, Hanson says what makes the Roots N Blues N BBQ Half Marathon and 10k Run such an all-around enjoyable experience is the cause.

“Our race works with the ‘Blues in the Schools’ program, which promotes music education,” Hanson says.

The revenue from the race grants local schools the opportunity to place more focus on the benefits of music education. Classrooms are able to hear firsthand about blues and other genres of music from real live musicians through a week-long program. At the end of the week, the pupils are able to perform live at the festival. Their newfound knowledge about music will extend much further than the initial seven days.

There are high expectations for great weather (currently, there’s a zero percent chance of rain, but we’re in CoMo, so who knows, really) and even higher hopes for a safe, fun time.