(Posted July 21, 2017)
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s fun for a good cause!
The London Rib and Jazz Festival, scheduled for 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 4-5 in downtown London, is once again bringing back its 5K—this time with a super theme.
The Superhero Run, Walk and Roll 5K will be held at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 5. Proceeds go toward Access Cowling to help build an accessible and inclusive playground in Cowling Park. The park will be not only a first for Madison County, but the region.
The family-friendly race kicks off in Cowling Park and finishes in the heart of the festival, just in time for lunch. Live music and children’s activities begin after the race at noon.
Runners should expect some not-so-ordinary looking volunteers directing race traffic. Superheroes will guide the course. Additionally, every child 10 and younger will receive a superhero cape and mask. Every participant will receive a free race t-shirt. To guarantee your shirt, register before July 22.
Access Cowling began in 2016 when the Hagmeier family of London tragically lost their 7-month old son, Noah. The family, which also has a son with cerebral palsy, provided seed money to kick off the project to build an all-inclusive playground as a memorial for their youngest son. With the help of other organizations, it has since grown into a five-phase, $400,000 project.
The second phase of Access Cowling was installed earlier this summer, and organizers are halfway to completing fundraising for phase three, according to Jennifer Hagmeier, Noah’s mother.
“Nothing can bring Noah back, but knowing his legacy will be something that will be enjoyed by every child in Madison County—no matter their abilities—is an amazing feeling,” she said.
Hagmeier said the superhero theme was chosen because “every child should feel like a superhero.”
“Kids with special needs work so hard every day—in therapy, at doctor’s visits, at school—to do many things that others may take for granted,” she said. “Yet, they still want to play and laugh. Iron Man may have been the coolest costume, but these kids are my heroes.”
Register for the race at itsyourrace.com (search for the festival), or pick up a form at Mabe’s Clothing, CK Signs & Apparel, Madison County EMS, the London Fire Department, the London Mayor’s Office, or Wilson Printing & Graphics. Printed forms should be mailed to London Rib and Jazz Fest, P.O. Box 335, London, OH 43140. Registration cost is $25.
