Family, friends and fans of Drum Corps International in addition to other fitness enthusiasts are invited to run, walk or stroll for a cause this season. Registration is now open for the annual DCI Street Beat 5K, a race slated for the morning of the DCI World Championship Finals on Saturday, August 12.

Helping to wrap up the DCI Summer Tour and DCI World Championships in downtown Indianapolis, proceeds from this year's event will support the Marching Music Health and Wellness Project (MMHWP), an initiative dedicated to improving medical guidance and care for those involved in marching music.

While the MMHWP's primary goals remain the same from when it was organized in 2007—to improve access to care for marching musicians, helping to facilitate management of common illnesses, educating staff and members in the recognition and prevention of injuries—its scope continues to grow while extending into many disciplines.

“We even have folks in public health, like epidemiologists, exercise physiologists, and a whole host of researchers who are interested in things like kinesiology,” says project chairperson Alyssa McPherson, MS, LAT, ATC, OTC, CSCS.

The first-ever Street Beat 5K, hosted by Inspire Arts & Music in partnership with Drum Corps International took place in 2014 with more than 350 runners from 30 states and four countries.

2017's 5K will kick off from the starting line at Military Park bright and early at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, and will be followed by an array of marching music events including the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival and the DCI World Championship Finals that evening.

“Now in its fourth year, the Street Beat 5K is fantastic family-friendly event whether you're into racing, or just want an active way to kick off the final day of the DCI World Championships,” DCI director of events Susan Kuehnhold said. 

Registration for the race can be done online, and is open until the event begins on Saturday, August 12. An early-bird registration fee of $35 is available through Friday, June 30, and will increase to $45 if registered July 1 or later. All registrants will receive a timing bib, a DCI Street Beat 5K participant shirt and a participant medal.


DCI Street Beat 5K at-a-glance

Date
Saturday, August 12, 2017

Location
Start: Military Park – Downtown Indianapolis at the corner of New York & West Streets
End: Lucas Oil Stadium – Downtown Indianapolis at McCarty and West Streets (Gate 10)

Pre-event runner/walker check-in
Friday, August 11, 5-9 p.m.: Lucas Oil Stadium, east concourse outside of spectator entry gate – Downtown Indianapolis on Capitol Street, just south of South Street. Look for Street Beat 5K tent.

On-site runner/walker check-in
7 a.m.: Registration opens at Military Park – Downtown Indianapolis at the corner of New York & West Streets

Time
8 a.m.: Start for runners, followed by walkers

Winner/prize medal recognition ceremony
10:30 a.m.: Pan Am Plaza during the SoundSport International Music and Food Festival. Participant medals will be distributed at finish line.

About the Marching Music Health and Wellness Project