RUN Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — Come Sept. 15 at Wenatchee’s River Run event, a race within a race will unfold.

The Ironheart Challenge will allow participants in the half-marathon, 10K and 5K to pit their final mile time in those races against others. Awards will be presented to the top three fastest splits recorded in each age group for each race.

Athletes can sign up for the Ironheart Challenge when they register for River Run.

Proceeds will go toward the Ironheart Foundation of Seattle, which supports cardiac-related charities and promotes healthy heart living.

“Let’s see what your heart is made of,” said David Watkins, founder of Ironheart.

Joel Rhyner, a partner in RunWenatchee, the group that puts on River Run, said the Ironheart Foundation also will bring along its own team of runners. Some have had their own cardiac conditions and will run in support of others who do.

“This is a really great way to generate interest in a cause, while at the same time having a fun little contest,” Rhyner said.

River Run is held in conjunction with the Taste of the Harvest Festival in downtown Wenatchee. Taste of the Harvest is a day-long street fair that features arts-and-craft booths, the Wenatchee Farmers Market, a wine and beer garden, musical performances, and children’s activities. For more on the Taste of the Harvest Festival: www.wendowntown.org.

River Run’s half-marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at Centennial Park and end at the Performing Arts Center Plaza, with much of the course on the scenic Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail along the Columbia River.

To register for River Run and to sign up for the Ironheart Challenge: http://www.active.com/half-marathon/wenatchee-wa/river-run-at-the-taste-of-the-harvest-festival-2012