The Quillen 100 returns this year to Bristol Motor Speedway to promote the wellbeing of the community and to raise funds for Speedway Children’s Charities.
The Quillen 100 cycling race and health fair will be held on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Events include a women’s and men’s solo criterium race, the Little Q team race and the Quillen 100 team race. The Little Q relay is designated for non-competitive riders, allowing everyone to get involved!
“We’re hoping that the Quillen 100 can be an event of camaraderie and unification, where people can come enjoy the race and also get to participate in the health fair,” said Ethan Harris, second-year medical student and Quillen 100 race director. “Basically, just to create a way of having community outreach.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed relations with community members, especially regarding health care workers. The Quillen 100 aims to provide a safe and exciting environment for the region to come together and be active.
The day’s events go beyond the race with infield festivities like food trucks, including Lettuce Wrap U, Early Bird Coffee and Boozy Creek Smokers, live music and a kid-friendly zone of face painting and tie-dying. The Hands On! Discovery Center will also be in attendance.
In accordance with COVID-19 precautions, proof of vaccination for those 12 and older will be required for entrance into the event. Face masks will also be encouraged.
A health fair will host booths from ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine to educate the public on wellbeing, specifically heart health, as Tennessee has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease.
“With the situation of COVID, this is a good opportunity for the community to get out and get active,” said Adam Musick, second-year medical student and Quillen 100 event organizer. “It’s also a good opportunity for ETSU Health and Quillen to lead by example and put on an event that demonstrates how we can have safe interaction in the community.”
The inaugural Quillen 100 began in 2019 with two students in ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine as a way for the medical school to engage the community. The 2019 event raised more than $6,000, drawing participants from several states.
Admission to the Quillen 100 is free, but registration for races begins at $30. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Speedway Children’s Charities which assists children in need across the nation.
“We thought this would be a great opportunity for us to give back to the kids in the area,” said Musick.
For more information on the Quillen 100 and race, visit thequillen100.com.
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