Join the annual run honoring coach Rodney Blue

The third annual Coach Rodney Blue Charitable Run will bring runners and walkers to Carl Sandburg College’s Galesburg campus on Sept. 19 to honor the late cross country coach and raise money for future student-athletes.

The event begins at 8 a.m. with an opening ceremony, according to a community announcement. Participants of all ages and experience levels can take part in the non-competitive fundraiser, which supports the Coach Rodney Blue Cross Country Team Fund.

The Sandburg Foundation's Sept. 19 charitable run honors Coach Rodney Blue and raises money for the college's cross country student-athletes. — The Sandburg Foundation’s Sept. 19 charitable run honors Coach Rodney Blue and raises money for the college’s cross country student-athletes.

The 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 1K run/walk at 8:35 a.m. Registration costs $30 for participants 13 and older, $20 for children 12 and younger and is free for current Sandburg students. Advance registration is available through nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com, and on-site registration also will be offered.

Event route follows campus and trail system

Both race routes begin in the circle drive outside the Science & Technology Center. Participants will travel through the bus lane in parking lot A, turn right onto Tom L. Wilson Boulevard, continue past Building G and follow the Log City Trail before returning along the same route.

Route details are available at nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com.

Fund supports Sandburg cross country athletes

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Coach Rodney Blue Cross Country Team Fund. The fund has raised more than $14,500 for the Sandburg cross country program and its student-athletes, according to the announcement.

Run honors longtime Chargers coach

Blue died in July 2024 at age 66. He joined the Chargers cross country program as an assistant coach in 2011 and became head coach of the men’s and women’s teams in 2015.

According to the announcement, Blue guided the program through its most successful period, capturing five Region 4 championships and sending either a team or individual qualifier to the NJCAA national meet in each of the eight seasons Sandburg fielded a squad during his tenure.

This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Join the annual run honoring coach Rodney Blue

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