F.U.E.L. 5K - Fun Run/Walk or 10K - Bike Ride

All routes are apprximate to within 1/10th K.  Every effort has been made to suggest safe, paved routes.  If you choose a route along a motor vehicle trafficway, please be mindful of the vehicles passing near you.  Remain as far from traffic as possible.  Thank you for participating!  And be safe!

Suggested Route 1:  The easiest route for the 5K event is the Dodge City Walking/Biking path that runs through Chilton Park, beginning at the south end of the park near the intersection of Comanche Ave and Manor Dr. at the bottom of the hill just east of 14th St.  This well maintained concrete path is wide with only gentle slopes and is quite lovely in early spring.  The route stretches from Comanche Ave north, crossing Soule and eventually turns west toward N. 14th St.  When you reach 14th St, turn north again until you reach the corner of 14th and US 50 Hi-way.  Here, head east, crossing Mellencamp and going to Thompson Avenue (about half-way between Mellencamp and 6th Ave).  This is the half way point.  Simply retrace your steps back to Comanche to complete the 5K. If you begin your 5K somewhere along the route other than Thompson or Comanche, be sure to go all the way back to either Thompson or Comanche before returning to where your vehicle is parked, so as to complete a full circuit measuring 5K.  EX:  If you  park near the playground and walk toward Thompson, when you get there and walk back, you will pas by the playground on the return trip and continue walking until you reach Comanche, then return to the playground area.   Parking:  Parking is available along the west side of  Manor Drive all along Chilton Park.  There is a small parking area near the play area close to 14th at the end of Chilton Park.  You can start your Virtual 5K anywhere along the route and simply return to where you started!

Suggested Route 2:  If you are an east sider, you can still use the Walking/Bike path for your Virtual 5K.  Starting at the St. Mary's Fitness Park west of the YMCA, go north on the path.  At the fork in the path head west to Central.  At Central, turn around and head back east, past St Mary of the Plains baseball field. Continue east and follow the loop that goes back to St Mary's.  At the Soccer practice field continue west.  On the east side of the YMCA parking lot, go south to the south side of the lot and walk to the end of the parking area.  Cross north to pick up the bike path and return to the Fitness Park. This is 2.5 K.  Repeat the same route to achieve your 5K goal.  Parking is available in the parking area north of the Main building on the St. Mary's campus, just west of the YMCA.

Suggested Route 3: If you prefer the southside of town we have the route for you. The starting point is at the playground west of Hoover Pavilion in Wright Park. From the playground you will go east to 2nd street, then south on 2nd street to Beeson Street. Turn right (west) at Beeson and travel to the arboretum (located on the SW corner of Beeson and Sunnyside?).  When you get to the Arboretum, walk the entire circuit of the path around the Arboretum, then head back east on Beeson to 2nd, then back north to the Wright Park entrance.  All that's left is the quick trek back to the playground and your are finished!

Suggested Bike Route (10K option)  Start at the Fitness Park west of the YMCA at St. Mary of the Plains.  Head north on the walking/bike path.  At the fork, head west toward Central.  Crossing Central, you will continue on the bike path to 14th.  At 14th turn South and take the path to the crosswalk across from DC3.  Head east into the park area and follow the path past the children's park across the bridge and curving south.  Continue south, across Soule and on into Chilton Park.  Ride to the end of the path (Comanche).  Turn around and retrace your route back to 14th, north to US 50 Hiway and then back east to Central.  Cross Central and continue east to the fork in the path.  Continue east (on the north side of the baseball field) and follow the loop around St. Mary's.  At the Soccer field, turn south and head toward the parking area east of the main campus building.  At the South edge of the parking area head west and on into the parking in front of Hennessey Hall.  In front of the main entrance to Hennessey, turn around and retrace your route, following the loop east, then north and then along the north side of the baseball field again.  At the fork in the path, turn south and return to the Fitness Park.  10K!  Parking is available west of the YMCA.