Rex Lee Run

Do you enjoy running? Do you prefer to walk? This suits almost everybody and therefore you should come to the Rex Lee Run! This race is sponsored by BYU and is for Cougars vs. Cancer. All money that is paid to participate in the race is donated towards cancer research and awareness. This race is both a 5k and a 10k. You can choose which distance you want to run for. You can also choose to walk the 5k or 10k and there is even a childrens race (1k) I believe around the BYU track.

I have raced in the Rex Lee Run for 3 years in a row and I love it more and more each year. This race is often filled with more than 10,000 participants and racers. It is truly a spectacle to watch and/or participate in. The 10k race most often starts at 8am sometime at the end of March or beginning of April. The 5k typically starts at 8:30 or 9. Because the race has so many participants, they have multiple heats or multiple waves take off so that people don’t get hurt running. The trail is all around BYU down ninth east and across where the duck pond is, and then back up towards the Richards building.

I think the hardest stretch is the straight across the duck pond because you are no longer going downhill and then all of the sudden, you finish going uphill.

Then you finish running one lap on the BYU track and that’s it! The beginning can be a bit rough as everyone is trying to start running and you start uphill. But after you get past the MTC and the Heritage Halls construction zones, its mostly downhill until the end. The race goes by pretty fast and most people are done by 10am. I have never seen the race go longer than noon, and it mostly starts around 7 or 8am. Then afterwards, there are typically hundreds of sponsors tents and businesses selling products. Each year, I have been able to get a free massage by a masseuse after racing which is pretty cool. The faster you run, the smaller the line is for the massage.

My first year participating, there was huge giveaways to Pizza Pie Café for free meals for several weeks worth, and I still have those coupons that haven’t expired yet. Nu Skin often donates free products and swag to pick up. Every year there are bands that come play, there are jumpy houses for the kids, and even Puppy Barn will come join the party sometimes.

Each year brings a new surprise and added feature. Even if you don’t like to run, you can still participate by walking or just cheering the other racers on. I highly recommend running or walking in the race because with thousands of people participating, there is a unique energy that makes you want to be a part of the fun!