let’s do this thing!
THE HONOR CONNOR RUN: the happiest race in Texas!
Saturday, May 18, 2024
North Richland Hills, TX
Maybe you’re a seasoned runner. Maybe you’re new to running. Either way, you’ve come a long way and you’re doing GREAT. The Honor Connor 5k and Smile Mile is so much more than just a race, it’s a full-fledged celebration. This race celebrates the buoyant life of Connor Gage — and features a flat, scenic course that winds its way around the enchanting lake and homes in HomeTown, North Richland Hills, TX. (It’s so pretty!) The run benefits The LV Project, dedicated to buoyancy, on water and in life. You'll find lots of miles. And even more smiles. It’s time to Honor Connor, run fast, and smile.
Onward friend. You’re doing great.
Meet Our Teams
what a gorgeous course.
and it’s USATF certified, too.
The Honor Connor Run course winds its way around a route that Connor loved. Connor was a runner, and spent many days running the scenic trails around the lovely lake and nostalgic homes of his HomeTown neighborhood in North Richland Hills. It’s a beautiful route, and the course is flat and gentle. As we enter the 12th year without Connor here, we know that even on the darkest paths, and the hardest roads, there’s a way forward. It’s 2024, and it’s time to move forward. So get your running shoes ready, and let’s move onward together. We can do this.
reward thyself.
FINISHER MEDALS FOR ALL! Yep, you did the dang thing. Way to go dude! So… you’ll take home an official finishers medal to display in all its ONWARD glory.
OVERALL AWARDS: SO MUCH GOOD STUFF! Overall winners (fastest male & female), Masters winners (40+) and Grand Masters winners (50+) receive a winners medal and trophy, the official smiley spatula and the Honor Connor Smile Flag, which will be ceremoniously draped over your shoulders of victory.
AGE GROUP AWARDS: Age group winners (three deep M/F) will receive a 1st/2nd/3rd place winners medal. Age groups are: 0-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
TEAM AWARDS: There will be three team awards: largest team, fastest team and most buoyant team (most funds raised). Winning team leaders will receive an official winner trophy, our unending praise on social, as well as the team trophy of The Honor Connor 5k and Smile Mile -- the smiley pancake skillet!
In addition, INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS who raise more than $200 for The LV Project will be recognized from the main stage at The Honor Connor Run!. All winners will be posted on our website and social media!
Will YOU wear the Smile of Honor? Win the pancake skillet? Take the spatula home?
THE SMILE SPATULA - For our overall winners!
THE SMILE SKILLET — TEAM AWARD
THE SMILE FLAG .— 1ST PLACE IN AGE GROUP
you ask-eth.
we answer-eth.
May 18 is go time and here are the details. (Or, as Connor would say, "Here is da scoopage.")
1. Where and when is the race? . . .
The race will be held -- rain or shine -- on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the beautiful Birdville High stadium (a.k.a. the FAAC). Address: 9200 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8:00am, followed by the 5k at 8:30am. We recommend arriving by 7:15am to join in the pre-race activities. All race proceeds benefit The LV Project, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to buoyancy, on water and in life.
2. How do I register? . . .
Just click the register button at the top of this page. Race day registration is available, too. (But arrive early to avoid the lines!)
3. What about creating or joining a team? . . .
Absolutely. Running with your pals is a blast! We had more than 40 (awesome!) teams at our last race. You only need five people to create a team, and team members save 10% on registration fees. You can create or join your team when you register. Awards will be given to the 1) fastest team, 2) largest team and 3) team with the most funds raised (buoyant team!). NOTE! PACKET PICKUP FOR TEAMS: No longer will team leaders be required to pick up packets for the entire team. Individual team members will be responsible for picking up their own packets. (see packet pickup in #6 below)
4. How much is the entry fee? . . .
We are proud to be one of the most affordable (and fun!) races in Texas! If you sign up early, you'll save. The 1-mile early bird rate is $25 (until midnight, April 18), then $33, then $40 on race day. The 5k early bird rate is $30 (until midnight, April 18), then $38, then $45 on race day. Kids age 7 and under run free, but still need to register in order to receive a race bib. T-shirts are not included for free runners, but can be purchased separately for $15. If you can't make it to the race and want to run from home, your rate is $40. Remote registration deadline is May 8, 2024. We'll mail your race packet to you in advance of race day.
5. Is the race timed? Is the course certified?. . .
All 5k runners are timed using the highly reliable ChronoTrack B-tag system, which comes attached to your race bib. The 1 mile fun run is not timed. The 5k course is both USATF certified and the race is USATF sanctioned. It's a scenic, mostly flat, route that winds around tree-lined lake trails. Perfect for runners and walkers alike.
6. Where do I pick up my packet? And when? . . .
Packet pickup will be at the beautiful NRH Centre, 6000 Hawk Ave, North Richland Hills, TX 76180, from 11am - 7pm, Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17. We'll do our best to accommodate all t-shirt size requests, but recommend getting there early to get your preferred size. Race day packet pickup is also available (but arrive early!). NOTE! No longer are team leaders required to pick up packets for the entire team. Individual team members will be responsible for picking up their own packets.
7. Where do I park? . . .
You'll enter from Precinct Line and park in the Birdville High stadium parking lot. NOTE! The entry to the parking lot from Mid-cities Blvd (the Home Depot side) will be closed to accommodate the run route. You'll need to arrive from Precinct Line on the east side of the stadium (i.e. the Lowe's side).
8. What's the race day schedule? . . .
- 6:30am - Onsite registration and packet pickup open
- 7:30am - Warmup and pre-race activities
- 7:45am - Welcome and introductions
- 7:55am - National Anthem
- 8:00am - 1-mile start
- 8:30am - 5k start
- 9:00am - Post-race festivities begin
- 9:45am - Awards
9. Can I bring my dog? My stroller? . . .
You bet! The Honor Connor is a dog- and kid-friendly race. We have lots of both. The only request is that you're considerate of other runners and line up toward the middle / back of the pack. That way the faster runners won't have to dodge Fido or the little ones. So yeah, dogs and strollers are most welcome. Dogs in strollers? Well sure. That, too. Why not.
10. Do you need volunteers? . . .
Yes! We LOVE each and every one of our volunteers - we couldn't do this without you! Just click the "Volunteer" link at the top of this page. And thank you!
our connor.
The Honor Connor Run honors the happy life of Connor Gage, a 15-year old freshman, who died tragically at a lake birthday party in 2012. Connor is a wonderful son, brother and friend, who is greatly missed. He's known for his big smile and his love of running. This race truly is the happiest sad day. Connor loved to golf, hang out with friends, play chess, wakeboard on the lake, travel. In a nutshell, Connor lived bouyantly. The LV Project was founded by the Gage family to prevent drownings and help others LiVe buoyantly, too. On water, and in life.
From the Gage family to yours, a hand-over-heart thank you for supporting our cause, and honoring our Connor.
