By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
The Columbus Westside Running Club will host a 5K this summer – an event that will benefit Hilltop veterans while providing an opportunity for exercise and community togetherness.
The Hilltop U.S.A. 5K run/walk will take place July 7, and registration is currently under way. Participants also will have the opportunity to increase the challenge and choose a heavy ruck run option where runners and walkers must carry a 35-pound rucksack or backpack.
The ruck run option will earn the top three male and female finishers special prizes.
Tracy Schakett, who oversees membership for the Columbus Westside Running Club, says the 5K will be the first race on Columbus’ newest trail and park, Camp Chase Trail and Wilson Road Park. The event also will feature an expo space that will allow local businesses and services to showcase their goods prior to the race start.
All of the proceeds, plus $1 from each race entry, will benefit Hilltop veterans, with funds split evenly between VFW Post 4044 and the American Legion Post 532.
The Columbus Westside Running Club held its first group run in January 2016.
“Since this time, the group has grown dramatically,” Schakett said.
In addition to electing a board, the group has established itself as a non-profit, secured United Way Neighborhood Partnership grants two years in a row, and received support from Ohio State University Sports Medicine and Columbus Running Company. The group also is an established training group with Capital City Half Marathon.
The group also has taken a role in improving the westside, hosting trash cleanups along Camp Chase Trail.
“This is performed the fourth Saturday of the month and since inception, 622.5 volunteer hours have been logged,” Schakett said. “We have removed 423 bags of trash and 26 tires, and 14 carts have been collected.”
Cost to participate in the 5K is $25 if registered before July 6 and $30 on race day. Included in the registration fee are a finisher medal and race shirt.
The 5K will take place along the Camp Chase Trail, starting at Hague Avenue, running west to Wilson Road Park and back to Hague Avenue. North Sylvan will be closed at the Camp Chase Trail Crossing from 8:30 to 10 a.m.
The course will remain open for 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it friendly for advanced or novice runners and walkers, Schakett said.
To register or for more information, go to hilltopusa5k.com.
