MANSFIELD, Ohio — This weekend marks the first Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER and Fun Run 5K, slated to step off at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at the square in downtown Mansfield.
Event organizer Tim Hilterman said over 100 people have registered for the 13ER (half marathon), adding, “We’re thrilled to have such a solid number for the first year of the race.”
There’s still time to register, Hilterman said. “People can register online up through Sept. 4 and on race day at the registration table in front of Richland Bank. T-shirts will not be guaranteed if you register after Aug 28,” he said. Participants can save 15 percent on either race by using the code “13er” at registration.
Proceeds from the event will be given to a grant entrusted to the Richland County Foundation. The Richland County Foundation will then allocate the funds back to the community through groups and organizations actively participating in drug prevention.
“We’re hoping to raise over $10,000 for our first year efforts,” said Hilterman. “The sponsors and community have been extremely generous and we’re all working together to increase everyone’s engagement in preventing drug abuse.”
According to the race staff, each year Ohio has more drug-induced deaths than those by vehicle accidents. Seeing a need in Richland County, a board composed of community members, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and foundations developed and organized The Drug Prevention Coalition. The coalition is spearheading the Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER with the purpose of uniting the community through awareness and funding.
“There are many great organizations fighting the drug problem locally. We want to fan the flames of this good work and encourage individuals and families to proudly support these efforts,” said Hilterman.
He continued, “Representative Mark Romanchuk said, ‘With an issue like [the drug problem], we need all hands on deck.’ We’re taking that call seriously and want others to join the fight with us. You can see some resources that we’re highlighting on our website under Prevention Resources.”
The 13ER course starts and ends in the historic Carrousel District, travels parts of the Richland B&O Trail and takes participants by special city landmarks like Kingwood Center Gardens.
Runners will travel west along Park Avenue West from the downtown square to South Park. From there, they will head toward North Lake Park, where they will then enter the bike trail. They will continue on the bike trail to Deer Park and then enter Home Road. The return route will continue on West Cook Road to Woodland Road, where participates will run through the scenic area of Woodland. The route continues onto Marion Avenue and then Park Avenue West for the finish downtown.
During the race, portions of the streets and roads will be closed for traffic. Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution near the runner’s route.
“It’s a great course including a beautiful stretch on the bike trail and a challenging hill dubbed the ‘Big G’ by local runners, with a downhill finish,” Hilterman said.
Entertainment, exhibits, local food and activities will be available for spectators and runners alike.
Local communities from all over the region plan to involve students, schools, churches, and businesses to support the event, the message, and the participants. The event will also draw from outside the area, benefiting the community’s hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.
Spherion Mid Ohio, a staffing and employment agency headquartered in Ontario, Ohio, is the event’s title sponsor.
“This is our inaugural event and we will be holding this each year on Labor Day weekend. We already have some exciting plans in the works for next year,” Hilterman said.
He said the response from the community has been overwhelming. “We’ve heard from recovering addicts, families that have been impacted by the problem, and those already in the trenches battling this issue. It’s time to grow a positive message around this issue and help inspire individuals to make the choice that will lead them and their families to hope and success instead of destruction and despair,” he said.
For all information about the Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER, visit www.MidOhio13er.com.
“If you’re not running, stop by the free sign-making station at the Spherion tent and help cheer,” said Hilterman. “It’s going to be a great day.”
“There are many great organizations fighting the drug problem locally. We want to fan the flames of this good work and encourage individuals and families to proudly support these efforts,” said Tim Hilterman.
