MANSFIELD, Ohio — Tim Hilterman remembers well his eureka moment. It came during a Leadership Unlimited meeting.
“The speaker was talking about the drug problem in the community and when it comes to that I hadn’t done anything,” Hilterman said. “I’m a Christian and I believe in the Good Samaritan and helping people. So, I thought of creating a big event to raise awareness and funds for drug prevention.”
Last year his brainchild became the Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER, a half marathon and 5K Fun Race. The course took 300 runners of the half marathon past Richland County landmarks like Kingwood Center Gardens and part of the Richland B&O Bike Trail. It began and ended in the Carrousel District in downtown Mansfield.
The 13ER, as it came to be known, raised approximately $25,000. Those funds were sent to the Richland County Foundation and then dispersed to specific programs to combat the drug issue in the region.
“We had a tremendous first year. We were ecstatic (about the amount of money raised),” Hilterman said. “Now our goal is to double it. Double the runners, double the spectators and double the funds.”
Developed and organized by The Drug Prevention Coalition, the purpose of the half marathon is to gather the community in prevention and support with a mission to give back to the community.
This year’s event is slated for Sept. 3, and already Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John has agreed to be a celebrity runner. Her goal is to finish the 13ER, Hilterman said.
“When Marilyn starts training, she’s looking at it one day at a time, one goal at a time, just like someone struggling with a drug issue,” Hilterman said. “With a problem like this, it’s all hands on deck.
“People struggling with this problem need to know the community is there to help and support them.”
Hilterman noted the many families ripped apart locally by the issue.
“My wife’s cousin got involved in drugs in high school and is in Christian rehab,” Hilterman said. “We’ve got to be willing to do something to help our neighbors out with this.
“It’s one step after another, making one right step after another right step.”
