New, returning participants take part in the 35th annual Capaha Classic 5k

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The 35th annual Capaha Classic 5k, Cape Girardeau’s longest-running 5k was July 9. 

Event organizer Kacie Walley said it was great seeing so many people come out every year. 

“It’s great knowing that each and every year we still have lots of people that are new and we also have the groups that are they come back every single yea,” Walley said. 

People continue coming back every year like Joe Gomez, who represented his organization team red, white and blue. 

But Gomez said this year was a little more challenging.

“Right after COVID when we did it the first time it was a smaller group. We were a little more relaxed today with more challenging, more fun,” said Gomez. 

The 5K race brings out people’s competitive side, but also a sense of sportsmanship between the participants. 

“Leave no man behind so I always go back to get my running partners and encourage them to the finish line, or I see other brothers younger or older and again just encouraging them to finish strong,” said Gomez. 

Walley invites new challengers to join in next year to experience all the fun of the 5K. 

“It’s going to be great cause we have all the different age division medals,” Walley said. “So they have to look forward to it just a great time with the community.”