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2019 Elkmont Hound Dog Half Not Just for the Dogs January in the tiny northern Limestone County Alabama Town of Elkmont is a bustling time - contrary to the rest of the world nestling into their post-holiday recovery. The small eclectic community of family homes, family farms, boutiques, antiquaries, and specialty shops including world-renowned fromagerie Belle Chevre have an especially busy weekend laid upon them during Elkmont Hound Dog Half-Marathon weekend. This annual half-marathon, that's 13.1 miles for the non-running inclined, hosted by the Elkmont Cross-Country and Track Teams and their supporters is not only a fundraiser but an economic boon to the community at large. The race was made famous by a wandering blood hound ... ... Ludivine joining the pack of her biped kindred-spirits and trotting into the finish line made headlines around the world and lent to the pooch becoming a bit of celebrity and helped this inaugural fundraiser for the Elkmont athletes become a must-attend event. The run-loving pooch celebrity even prompted a name change of the event from Trackless Train Trek to the Elkmont Hound Dog Half Marathon.
The 2019 Hound is slated for January 19 starting at 8:00AM with a USATF certified route that treks down county roads and finally the Richard Martin Rails to Trails to the finish line in downtown Elkmont. Over 110 participants are registered for the 2019 event (as of December 17, 2018) from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, and the United Kingdom. Interesting bits of trivia about the 2019 Elkmont Hound Dog Half Marathon:
In December 2017, Coach Barry Pugh of Elkmont High School posted an endearing comment about how the proceeds of the Elkmont Hound Dog Half Marathon are impacting his student athletes (taken from the Elkmont Hound Dog Half Facebook page): Just want to assure everyone I fully realize the consideration in the cost of races. This race proceeds go to our kids in Elkmont that run XC and track. We have $0 proceeds as do many XC and track programs in rural areas. We do not have a track and no equipment. We are purchasing equipment with these proceeds. We have purchased starting blocks, hurdles and shot puts (indoor and outdoor) with proceeds. We come from a rural school and county and instead of charging the athletes upwards of $130 in fees, I can now open the team to many, many kids who could not afford the fees. Each race we enter is an average of $150.00. That is for XC, indoor, and outdoor meets. With an average of 25 meets per year that is $3750.00 for kids to compete in their sport that is not supplied by the school or revenue from gates as other sports. This does not even include travel and hotels for out of town meets. The race profits 100% goes to the teams and fosters kids love of running and competing. So many more have gotten to try out and travel with us to races. So when considering registering for our race please know you are helping a kid who may not have ever been able to know the great feeling of wind in your face and sweat down your back and the sheer feeling of accomplishment when finishing a race....hopefully for years to come!!! Anyone interested in more information, course maps, volunteering, or registering for the 2019 Elkmont Hound Dog Half visit ItsYourRace.com. An opportunity to register in person during the packet pickups Friday, January 18th from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Elkmont Town Hall or day of race at Elkmont Town Hall from 6:30AM-7:30AM is also available. The public is welcome to come cheer the runners starting at 8:00AM as they travel north on Sandlin Road continuing up Upper Fort Hampton, Pettusville Road, Spence Cave Road, State Line Road to Bob Coffman Road before turning south onto the Richard Martin Rails to Trails and finishing in heart of downtown Elkmont. No word yet of any "celebrity pooch" appearance though... but you never know where or when Ludivine will turn up for a run.
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