Page 8 - 2018 Conway Senior Expo

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018 SENIOR EXPO • RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE
STACI VANDAGRIFF/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION
Don Potter, 81, of Conway started Chase Race, a two-mile foot race, in 2006 to honor the memory of his son, Chase, who died in 2005. The race has raised more than $180,000 for local organizations in its 13-year history.
BY CODY GRAVES SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Every morning when Don Potter wakes up, he thinks of his son. Potter then slips on his running shoes and makes the drive to Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center, where a group of local
runners wait to hit the road for an early-morning jog. At the age of 81, Potter still runs six days a week, and each year, he honors the memory of his son, Donald Lee Chase Potter, at the Chase Race, a 2-mile course that
is held each March in Conway.
In 2005, Chase died by suicide while he was being
treated at Timber Ridge Ranch in Benton after sustaining traumatic brain injuries in a rock-climbing accident and
a weight-lifting accident. A few months later, Don’s wife, Cheryl Potter, also died by suicide. The loss of both his son and wife were devastating to Don, he said.
“It like to got me,” he said, describing the sadness he felt after losing them.
Don decided to start the Chase Race in 2006. Chase was an avid runner, “when he wanted to be,” Don said. The first race had about 100 participants, Don said. The race has grown to about 650 participants with another 150 spectators.
The Chase Race, which is held at Simon Park in Conway, is a 2-mile, out-and-back style race with a 1-mile leashed pet race, too. Don said there is also a pet costume contest and that organizers feed anyone who comes to
the event. He said this year’s event provided 40 dozen doughnuts, 200 bacon biscuits, 500 hot dogs and many pizzas. The race formerly took place at the Conway Commons shopping center on Oak Street. He said he is thankful to the PetSmart store there for allowing him to use its facilities for packing and storing race packets.
The Chase Race has also become an Arkansas Grand Prix Championship race. The Arkansas chapter of the Road Runners Club of America promotes running and fitness as a means to a healthy lifestyle. The Grand Prix is a series of 20 races, and by participating in the Chase Race, runners can earn points in the competition.
Don said he loves the way the community comes together for the Chase Race.
Setting the pace
Conway man continues annual race to honor son