For four years, Jose Gonzalez of Gering has participated in the region's premier running
event, the Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon. "The people are what makes this
marathon special, they motivate and encourage you the entire way and it's just such
a positive vibe," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is a coach for the Guadalupe Boxing Club and began running as a way to gain
endurance for boxing. This year, he hopes to make the Platte Valley Companies Monument
Marathon his fifth full marathon.
Even though he is a lifelong resident, he shares that his participation in the Monument
Marathon was his first opportunity to view the beautiful badlands area in Gering.
"Normally, that road is not accessible, so this is a unique opportunity for even local
residents to experience the scenery," Gonzalez said. "It is my favorite part!"
For the seventh year, the Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) Foundation and
the Star-Herald are hosting the Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon and Half
Marathon on September 29 in Gering and Scottsbluff. Organizers are looking forward
to providing the same great race experience the community has come to enjoy from the
Monument Marathon.
In her first year as race coordinator, Jennifer Reisig expressed excitement about
the different perspective this year will bring for her. "I've been a part of the Monument
Marathon as a volunteer previously and I'm thrilled to see the race from the organizational
standpoint," she said. "The incredible experience and guidance of the race crew and
steering committee has provided a seamless transition. The Monument Marathon is such
a great community event.
"We are excited to offer the 5K distance again this year," said Reisig, who also serves
as the WNCC Foundation's executive director. "It has become a hit with our regional
community. The distance gives runners and walkers who prefer shorter distances a way
to get involved with this high-energy event."
The full marathon (26.1 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and 5K (3.11 miles) offer
a unique experience to both runners and walkers. Reisig also stated, "The Monument
Marathon is a great way to show off our beautiful state and highlights the western
Nebraska hospitality everyone raves about!"
The Scotts Bluff National Monument serves as the focal point of the race, as the course
traverses through the park's badlands and historic Mitchell Pass. The National Park
Service is a key partner that offers access and opportunities for participants and
their families to enjoy all aspects of Scotts Bluff National Monument.
Last year, more than 500 runners and walkers from 27 states enjoyed a successful Platte
Valley Companies Monument Marathon and Half Marathon. The event continues to draw
participants from all over the world for a first-class, small-town friendly race experience.
Hod Kosman, president and chief executive officer of Platte Valley Companies, stated
the company is thrilled to again be the sponsor of the award-winning marathon and
half marathon.
"We are excited to once again be a part of the Monument Marathon," said Kosman. "The
Monument Marathon showcases much of what is so special about our area; the beautiful
scenery, community support, and hometown pride come together to create a great event.
We are proud to be able to support WNCC in this capacity."
The marathon and half marathon welcomes experienced and new runners to its course.
"We give incredible support for runners on race day, from our local EMS officials,
every layer of government, health care, law enforcement, and, of course, our wonderful
volunteers," Reisig said. "They help make the safety and health of our runners our
top priority."
Reisig continued, "We receive great feedback from participants who love our course,
the natural beauty we have in western Nebraska, and, most importantly, the incredible
volunteers. They really work to make race day special for each of our participants."
The Monument Marathon is a major fundraiser for the WNCC Foundation, which supports
students, programs, and facilities at WNCC. To date, the Monument Marathon has helped
raise nearly $300,000 for scholarships and the support of WNCC students.
"The marathon aids the Foundation in expanding access and maintaining affordability
of education for students," Reisig said.
Like runners and walkers, volunteers can also sign up for the event at the Platte
Valley Companies Monument Marathon website, monumentmarathon.com. Runners are encouraged to register now, as registration prices increase June 1.
The Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon and Half Marathon are sanctioned and
certified by the USA Track and Field Association. Registration information, caps,
course videos, FAQs, and more is available online. Participants can also follow marathon
announcements and other activity on Facebook at facebook.com/monumentmarathon.
In addition to Platte Valley Companies, major sponsors include Regional West as the
finish line sponsor, Kelley Bean as the chip timing sponsor, Box Butte General Hospital
as the full starting line sponsor, City of Gering Keno Committee as the half starting
line sponsor, BNSF as the 5K sponsor, the Nebraska Chiropractic Association as the
health care sponsor, and Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau as the regional marketing
sponsor.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels for water stations
and in-kind support for race day.
In conjunction with the marathon, organizers are hosting a health expo on September
28 at the Gering Civic Center. With the help of local vendors, the expo showcases
some of the great products available in our Wyo-braska region.
For more information, contact Jennifer Reisig, WNCC Foundation executive director,
308-630-6551 or racedirector@wncc.edu.