MUSCATINE, Iowa — Running is in Dave and Lisa Hughes’ blood. Avid runners in high school and college, the two literally ran to the altar 20 years ago.

“When we got married, we decided to have a 5K wedding run,” Lisa said.

On Saturday, the Hughes, who were married Aug. 16, 1986, will commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary by holding the Hughes’ Anniversary Run in Muscatine.

The 5K event will take place at 8 a.m. at the paved bike trail beginning at the riverfront. The public is invited to walk or run in the event.

Registration will be held from 7-7:45 a.m. The entry fee of $8 will go toward T-shirts  and refreshments.

The event has attracted about 15-20 runners so far, Lisa said. She expects more fair-weather runners will show up Saturday morning.

Dave and Lisa met while at Wartburg College in Waverly, where they were both runners on the cross-country team. Inspired by a friend’s wedding – who was also a cross country runner – Dave suggested holding a           

morning run before exchanging vows.

Lisa was game, and said the couple decided to hold an anniversary run every five years.

She says it’s a fun and different way to celebrate.

“It’s neat when you’re in a running community,” she said, adding that it’s fun and exciting to meet new runners from different events.

Since most of their friends were at one time runners, the Hughes have received a nice response from the original wedding party.

The community is encouraged to attend and celebrate by participating in the event.

Lisa, a native of Dubuque, is the Muscatine Middle School cross-country coach. She still runs competitively, and said last year she qualified for the Boston Marathon. This year, she intends to run it.

Dave, originally from Charles City, said he runs just to stay in shape for his duties in the Iowa National Guard.

The two have children, who also compete on the Muscatine cross-country and track teams.

Although she said she’s not going to run competitively Saturday, Dave believes a natural love for competition is in his wife’s nature.

“She’ll be competitive. If you’ve followed her in Muscatine, you know she’s competitive,” Dave said. “She’s probably won eight of the last 10 races.”

Contact Bryon Houlgrave at 563-263-2331, Ext. 317, or bryon.houlgrave@muscatinejournal.com

Details:

What: Hughes’ Anniversary Run

When: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. Registration will be from 7-7:45 a.m.

Where: Paved bike trail, Muscatine riverfront.

Parking: Marina parking lot at the north end of the riverfront.

Fee: $8 the day of the race. Entry fee will go toward T-shirts and refreshments.

Divisions: Individual male/female: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over.

Awards: Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female winners. Ribbons will be awarded to the first three male finishers and first three female finishers in each division.