Rodgers Road Race

The 2nd annual Rodgers Road Race is a 5k run/walk and 1 mile kids run event benefitting the Coach Jeff Rodgers Memorial Scholarship. All race proceeds, donations, and sponsorships contribute to the scholarship fund. 

Jeff Rodgers, a truly remarkable and one-of-a-kind person, father, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend, tragically passed away in June of 2025 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept the faith. This race serves as a way to honor Jeff and his legacy, raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, and continue his goal of making a difference in the lives of students by creating scholarships for graduating seniors. As Jeff would've said, "It's a great day to run a 5k!" Let's get up, get outside, get moving, and honor the life of someone we all love and miss every single day. 

The race begins and ends at the White Plains City Hall next to the walking trail. Registration will begin at 8:00 am on race day. The 5k run/walk will begin at 9:00 am. The 1 mile kids run will begin at 10:00 am. Awards will follow the kids run. There will be food trucks, photo ops, and Rodgers Foundation swag available on race day. 

Questions? Check out the "FAQ" section on the website, submit a contact form, or contact McKenzie for more information. 

Thank you to everyone who made our first year's event a huge success (2025)! Thanks to race participants, donations, and sponsorships, we awarded $9,000 in scholarships to Fort Campbell High School and Hopkins County Central High School graduating seniors!!!

Thank you to our 2025 race sponsors listed below! 

Putty Farms, LLC

Glass-Pac

The Crawley Family

Hopkins County Regional Landfill

Scotty's Sealcoating

Kentucky Farm Bureau - Mark Herring

Cavanaugh Pools

Chris and Lorie Oglesby 

Bestway of Nortonville

Who/what is this race about?

Jeff Rodgers was a lifetime resident of White Plains, KY. He spent a large portion of his life (34 years) as a teacher and coach at Fort Campbell. He was the best dad in the world to McKenzie, the organizer of this race. Jeff won his entrance into eternity with Jesus in June of 2025 after fighting a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. The race serves as a way to honor Jeff and his legacy, raise money for a scholarship fund in his name, spread awareness for pancreatic cancer, and spend a morning together being active with friends, family, and neighbors.

McKenzie chose a 5k run as the fundraiser because Jeff was a huge supporter of fitness! He strived to stay healthy and fit his entire life. Jeff and McKenzie spent many years running and exercising together. The race is at the White Plains City Hall and Walking Trail because that is Jeff's hometown and the walking trail is where he and McKenzie often enjoyed jogging together. The race is in the fall because it was Jeff's favorite season. The race is in the month of November because that is pancreatic cancer awareness month. There were many factors in the planning and creation of this event, all designed to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Jeff Rodgers. 

How do I register?
Registration is available online through the morning of the race, 11/7/26. You can also register in person on race day between 7:30-8:30 am; however, only online registrations that are made in advance will receive a race t-shirt and goody bag. 

You can also register directly through McKenzie if you prefer a cash, venmo, or check payment. Submit the contact form on the website, email jeffrodgersmemorialfoundation@yahoo.com , or contact McKenzie. 

 
Where do I pickup my packet?

Packets may be picked up Friday, November 6, 2026 at the White Plains City Hall from 5:00-7:00 PM. There is also packet pickup the morning of the race in the parking lot of the White Plains City Hall from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM.
 
Can someone else pickup my packet for me?
Yes. They will need a copy of your photo ID and race confirmation.
 
Can I pickup my packet on race morning?
Yes! But please arrive early to provide enough time for this. 

 
Will I receive a shirt?
Yes, all participants will receive a short sleeve race t-shirt if registered by October 30th. Registrations after 10/30 are not guaranteed a race shirt, only if still available. 
 
Is the race timed?
The 5k run is timed. We have a team that will record your time as you cross the finish line. Your bib must be worn in the FRONT on the outermost layer of clothing, so that it is visible, to be timed.
 
Are there awards for the top finishers?
Yes. These awards will be given at the finish of the last event (approximately between 10:30 am - 11:00 am).
 
What time does the race start?
The 5k starts at 9:00 AM. Runners begin first, followed by walkers. 
The 1 mile kids run starts at 10:00 AM. 

Will there be restrooms available?
Yes, there will be indoor restrooms available at the City Hall. Please respect this convenience and keep all indoor areas clean. 
 
Will there be water along the course?
Yes, there will be a water station available near the halfway point and the end of the 5k course. 
 
Will there be a first aid station?
Yes. A first aid kit will be available at the water station.
 
What time do I need to arrive on race morning?
Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the race. Earlier is recommended if you need to pickup your race packet. 
 
Where is the start line?
The race will start AND finish at the White Plains City Hall. 
 
Can I register on race morning? 
Yes, but we highly recommend registering in advance as there will be a lot happening on race morning. 
 
Will the race be canceled if it's raining?
No, the race will go on rain or shine. In the event of lightning, we may delay the start of the race. 
 
Where do I park?
There will be parking available on the side of the surrounding roads. We will have parking attendants there to help you find a space if needed. 
 
Do you need volunteers?
Most definitely! Volunteers play a vital role in our success! You can sign up on our volunteer page or contact McKenzie for assignment options.
 
Where do race proceeds go?
All of our race proceeds go to the Jeff Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Coach Rodgers. There will be a scholarship available for graduating seniors at both FCHS and HCCHS. 

Is there a student discount?

Yes! Students in grades K-12 will receive a $5 discount off the registration price. Use code "STUDENT" at checkout. College students can also use this code; however, valid student IDs (or proof of registration) are required when picking up race packets. 

Is there a Military discount?
All active and retired military will receive 10% off registration by using code USA at checkout. Valid military photo IDs will be required when picking up race packets. 
 
Can I change my mind and get a refund?
Sorry, but like most races, we cannot offer a refund for circumstances other than a cancellation of the race.
 
Will I receive a refund if the race is canceled?
Yes. We will refund your race fee if we have to cancel the race.
 
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, furry friends are welcome! Please keep them on a leash during the event. If they would like to run with you, please start near the back and keep them on the edge of the trail as the course is narrow at some points.  
 
Can I run with a stroller?
Yes, but please start towards the back of the pack.
 
Are bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades allowed?
No, the course is not wide enough and city rules do not allow these on the trail.  
 
Can I walk?
Absolutely! Walkers will begin directly following the runners. 
 
Will the road be completely closed?
Most of the 5k race is on a paved trail. However, there are some parts on a low-traffic (side) road. Portions of the road will be open as needed to allow traffic through. Course monitors and safety personnel will assist with traffic along the course.

*The kids run will ONLY be on a paved trail and will not enter or cross a roadway to ensure safety for all participants. 
 
Where is the route?
Begin in the parking lot of the White Plains City Hall near the pavilion. Run straight down the road by the White Plains Ballpark. Turn right at the end of the ballpark and go to the top of the park. You will make a square and come back to the main road. Continue down NW Railroad St. until you get to the end, then make a slight left turn onto the White Plains Walking Trail. Run all the way up the trail, make a loop, and come back down to the starting line. 

The course will be marked on race day. There will also be a race guide and cones/arrows at the turns to make sure everyone stays on route. 

What is included with registration?

All participants receive a race t-shirt if registered by October 30th. Participants also receive a race bib, a pancreatic cancer awareness bracelet, and purple pancreatic cancer awareness ribbons. 

Want to help on race day? 

Thank you! The race requires a great deal of planning and day-of prep, so we appreciate any and all help! Please email jeffrodgersmemorialfoundation@​yahoo.com and McKenzie will reach out. 

Example of volunteer jobs include: set up and take down, course marshals, water and first aid station, finish line timers, registration table, cheerleaders, clean up, traffic control, parking, and more.