PERRYSVILLE, Ohio — The fifth annual Brian Ward Memorial 5K (BW5K) returns this June and will again feature the “High School Challenge.”
The race is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race kicks off at 9 a.m.
This event is held in memory of Brian Ward, an Ontario Middle School student who passed away in January of 2012.
Jon VanHouten, race coordinator, said, “It’s imperative that we keep Brian’s memory alive–that’s the motivation behind [the BW5K].”
Proceeds from the event will go toward the Brian Ward Memorial Fund, which has donated close to $8,000 for scholarships, cancer benefits, youth sports and most recently a children’s hospital.
Runners will traverse the campground of Pleasant Hill and on the shoreline of Pleasant Hill Lake in this chip-timed race. All participants will be granted free all-day access to the park for swimming, fishing, boating and more.
Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each age category, and a trophy/plaque will be given to the top overall male and overall female runners.
Participants must be registered by June 1 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. The pre-registration fee is $20 and race-day registration fee is $25. To register, click here.
VanHouten said the event has grown from year-to-year and hopes to continue that trend. Last year, there were 120 participants and VanHouten’s goal this year is 150 participants.
Area high school athletic teams are encouraged to sign up for this event and compete in the STARTEK High School Challenge. Each team must consist of at least 10 runners and may include student-athletes, alumni, coaches and parents. The team with the fastest average time wins $1,000 for their school’s athletic program. Teams participating in this challenge can register at a group price of $125. The deadline to register is June 1.
Sponsors for this event include F.O.P. Lodge #32, STARTEK, JB’s Drive-In, Wayne’s Country Market and Geyer’s Fresh Foods.
More information about the event can be found by visiting the BW5K website.
