Running and sprinting about on an early spring morning in southeast Ohio is one of the best ways to start off your weekend, especially when it’s all for a good cause. OhioHealth’s Race for a Reason is coming back to the Athens area for its 11th year, and there are tons of ways to participate and show your support.
What’s the Race About?
Race for a Reason started in 2012, and it focuses on a total of 6 different events and races that participants can take part in. All of the proceeds from the registration fees and donations go to local nonprofits that end up providing aid for the community in various ways. From health-related funds to providing assistance for rural schools in the area, the Race for a Reason sends the money it raises to organizations in the community that help make an impact on the lives of others, and you get to have fun while participating in it across different events of your choosing. In the 10 years it’s been active, Race for a Reason has been able to donate $600,000 to local charities and nonprofits.
Events to Participate In
One of the best parts about Race for a Reason is that it’s not just one event to take part in—we’ve all been daunted at the prospect of participating in a marathon, but Race for a Reason makes it easy to participate in something you’re comfortable with, all while supporting local nonprofits. You can expect to find the following events at the race:
- Youth Splash and Dash (ages 7-10; ages 11-15): The Splash and Dash provides opportunities to take part in a triathlon-style race for younger ages where participants will both swim and run. The younger age bracket will complete a 100-meter swim and a 1-kilometer run, while the 11-15 age group performs a 200-meter swim and a 2-kilometer run. The Splash and Dash takes place Friday evening at 7:15pm on April 26th at the Ohio University Aquatic Center.
- OU ROTC Mud Run: For those who want to have fun and don’t mind getting messy in the process, the mud run is a great way to start your morning. The mud run starts at 9:30am on Saturday, April 27th at TailGreat Park and continues through multiple tracks and locales over the course of 3.4 miles. Participants can compete by themselves or on teams of 5.
- Memorial Health System 3K Walk: If you’re not quite feeling up to competing in a triathlon or any sort of running or obstacle courses, the 3K walk is a fantastic way to get out, move your body, and do some good for the community. The walk starts at 10am on Saturday, April 27th at Peden Stadium and goes along the Hocking Adena Bikeway.
- QuidelOrtho 5K Run: The traditional race, but with a do-good attitude. The 5K run is a great option for the athletic types that aren’t shy to extended bouts of cardio. The race starts at 9:45am on April 27th at Peden Stadium, and runners will sprint east along the Hocking Adena Bikeway.
- College of Health Sciences and Professions Triathlon/Duathlon: The triathlon/duathlon is the perfect way to get your morning started with a great workout that’ll have you energized for the whole day. Participants start at 7:30am on Saturday, April 27th at the Ohio University Aquatic Center for a 500-meter swim, and then head west on the Hocking Adena Bikeway, and then complete a 5K run at Peden Stadium at the end of the triathlon.
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Virtual Race: If you’re far away, you can still participate in the cause! Sign up for the virtual race, run a 5K anywhere near you, and share your experience online with a designated hashtag.
If you’re looking for something to do to give back to the community that the whole family can participate in—and don’t mind getting a great workout in the process—the Race for a Reason is the perfect opportunity to do so.
The donations go to plenty of causes in the Athens community like the Appalachian Children Coalition, the Bobcat Swim Club, The Gathering Place, Kids on Campus, Passion Works, Women for Recovery, and Tunnels to Towers. No matter what your reason is, you can be sure you’re doing good both for the local community and your physical health.
Sign up for any of the events on either April 26th or 27th via Race Roster and secure your spot before the date of the race!