Quad-City Times Bix 7 Beat the Elite runners named

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Flooding didn’t stop the organizers of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 from hosting the Iowa American Water Bix @ 6 training run. Before the run though, the two Beat the Elite competitors were announced.

Grace Boleyn and Colin Cartee were named this year’s Beat the Elite athletes. Boleyn attends Pleasant Valley High School and Cartee lives in Davenport.

Boleyn and Cartee will be given a head start based on their previous finishes, officials said. If they beat the elite runner to the finish line, they will each receive $2,500 from the event’s sponsor, Russell Group.

The Beat the Elite announcement was made at 5:45 p.m. at the new Bix @ 6 starting line which is at Fifth and Pershing Streets because of the flooding.

“Run with the Best will be taken to a level we’ve never gone before, as the four greatest American distance runners, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers, Meb Keflezighi and Frank Shorter run the streets of Davenport together for the first time in Bix 7 history,” Michelle Juehring, Bix 7 Race Director said. “Both the seven and two-mile course start at Brady Street Hill, are lined with live bands, cheering crowds and finish at Walmart’s big post-race party. Come be part of the area’s largest homecoming!”

As for Bix @ 6, now at Fifth and Pershing Streets, parking is still available at the Quad-City Times parking lot, officials said.

Thursday, June 27, race registration increases, according to officials. For those wanting to beat the price increase, registration is available at Thursday night’s Bix @6 running. T-shirts for those who register will be available on site.

For those who register at home on Thursday, June 27, simply present your confirmation email to event organizers to receive your free shirt, officials said.

Additionally, the Brady Street Sprints time trials will take place at 7 p.m. at Fifth and Pershing Streets, officials said. The top three finishers for each category wins a Brady Street Sprints shirt and a Running Wild gift card. Questions can be directed to robersonpacker@aol.com.

The 50th Quad-City Times Bix 7 race begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, officials said.

Online registration is open at www.Bix7.com.