Run the Flood

In the spring of 2008, Cedar Rapids experienced the worst flooding in city’s history.  To help raise funds for flood recovery and to raise awareness for the rebuilding effort, a 7-mile run and a 2.5-mile walk were planned as part of the one-year anniversary commemoration. Called Cedar Rapids Run the Flood, the race route was designed to cover both business and residential areas, giving runners a firsthand look at the devastation that still remained and the rebuilding that had begun.

On June 13, 2009, nearly 2,000 people raced through the flood-affected areas of downtown Cedar Rapids. As a result, over $45,000 was given to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Flood 2008 Fund to help with flood recovery.

Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors, runners and walkers that made the inaugural Cedar Rapids Run the Flood event such a success. And a special thank you to all the residents and business owners that lined the streets to cheer on our runners. This event is for you; we hope you know you are not forgotten.

And we’re not done yet. Based on the initial success, we’ve determined that the Run the Flood race will come back as an annual event to continue to raise money for flood recovery, and to continue to recognize both the progress our community has made and the hard work that still remains.

Please join us as we continue to rebuild, recover, and remember the flood of 2008.  Whether you’re a first time runner or a regular marathoner, this is chance to do more than win a race. This is an opportunity to run for your community, your business, your school, your neighbor, your friend, yourself. Together, we can make a difference.

To date, Run the Flood has donated over $100,000 for flood recovery.

Thank you all for your continued support,

Kari Lammer, Race Director
Kathleen Pegg, Operations Director
Luke Lammer, Finance Director
Jill Mast, Operations Director
Korey Stillman, Operations Director
Christy Mach, Volunteer Coordinator