Tulsa Route 66 Main Street plans to use a little bit of Oklahoma history to revitalize the iconic Mother Road along Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa with the first annual Bunion Derby 5K Race & Sock Walk Saturday, September 13, 2014.
The new event was inspired by a 1929 footrace from Los Angeles to New York created as a publicity stunt to highlight the opening of Route 66 just two years earlier. Andy Payne, a part Cherokee farm boy from Foyil, Oklahoma, won the 3,554 mile race. Payne had no idea he was setting what is now referred to as “The Oklahoma Standard” defined as “perseverance through adversity and the enduring Oklahoma Spirit.” The September 13 Bunion Derby incorporates three separate events offering runners, walkers and fun-lovers the opportunity to tap into that spirit.
A portion of proceeds will support the Communities In Schools initiative in the three Main Street Corridor schools, Eugene Field Elementary, Clinton Middle School and Webster High School. Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources , tailored to specific needs. Funds will be used to purchase socks and shoes for students in need.
Other proceeds will support Tulsa Route 66 Main Street programs. Tulsa Route 66 Main Street is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization certified by the National Main Street Center. Main Street follows the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street 4-Point Approach to revitalization which strives to create public/private partnerships to encourage reinvestment in historic commercial districts.
For more information or to register go to www.rt66mainstreet.org or call 918-445-4457.
Content published by Lori Cain.
