Great Race is back and it’s looking like a full slate, this year.
    Starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 10 teams from around Sumner and Sedgwick County will be clawing their way to the top spot this year during the 13-part relay race that starts and stops in Woods Park.
    A mixture of running, biking, motorcross, horse racing and canoeing  will keep the 15 team members on each team on their toes, as each leg is completed and the next to be finished.
    Each leg of the event is run by a single member of the team, with the exception of the two canoe legs, which have two members each.
    Each person must complete their section of the race before handing off a colored railroad spike to the next teammate. As with any race, the first to cross the finish line after completing all the different legs is declared the winner.
    The Wellington tradition will be celebrating its 31st anniversary this year, with the first race started in 1977 and won by the Potwan Athletic Club JETS.
    The race originated at the old Depot restaurant, located west of Wellington on US 160. When fire consumed the Depot in 1982, the race was discontinued, though it would be brought back with a triumphant return in 2001.
    Last year’s winners, The Yunkers Wheat Whackers took home the coveted trophy last year with a winning time of 45:49. The Wichita Barbarians Rugby Club took second with 47:27 after an impressive start, and Big Brother’s Big Sister’s Big Bro’s took third with 47:59.
    This will be the third year the race course hasn’t been changed, said Race Master Jack Potucek. That means one thing — course records are up for grabs.
    The Commodore Enchies currently hold the title for fastest winning time with 45:19:44, with their win in 2006.
    Winners will also have the chance at prize money with $325 for first place, $225 for second, and $125 for third.
    After a nearly 20 year hiatus, the event is growing stronger and more popular year-by-year with the will to win from team captains to match.
    “We’re hoping to do better this year,” said Tan Express Divas Capt. Lisa Allton. “We always come up with a new strategy each year...whether it works or not is another story.”
    The Divas took home second to last place after defending champions, The Commodore Enchies experienced motorcycle melt down — placing them in last place and unable to finish the race.
    Biker’s Alley Black Oak Striders Capt. Mary Beth Reynolds keeps her Great Race fire lit all year and is ready to take down the competition.
    “Oh, we are ready,” said Reynolds.
    A team captain’s meeting will be held the night before the race at 5:30 p.m., with race officials and team captains drawing for canoe gates at 6:15 p.m. at the Wellington Steakhouse. A pre-race meeting will be held at 3:15 p.m., the day of the race with team captains and officials with race start at 5 p.m.
    Post race activities will take place after the last team crosses the finish line and will include the handing out of awards, and a performance by the Smugglin’ Yo Yos from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Woods Park will be open until midnight so the festivities can continue longer.