March 29, 2006

President's 5K Fun Run & Walk for Education

Football coach Mike Hollway runs in last year's President's Fun Run/Walk for Education which was held in Selby Stadium due to inclement weather conditions.

Runners and walkers can register now for the second annual President's 5K Fun Run & Walk for Education.

The 3.1-mile race begins at 8 a.m. April 22 at Selby Stadium and kicks off a weekend of activities sponsored by the Bishop Backers, whose members promote and encourage community building between OWU and Delaware.

At least half a dozen local restaurants will set up exhibits – and perhaps offer samples of house specialties – at "Delaware's Delicacies: A Savory Celebration," beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the stadium.

A boys and girls lacrosse clinic will be held at 11 a.m., before the 1 p.m. men's lacrosse game against Washington and Jefferson College. Both the clinic and admission to the game are free.

The fun continues Sunday at Littick Field, with free admission to the noon men's baseball game against the College of Wooster. After the game, a free baseball clinic and a chance to meet the team will be held at the field. Delaware's Gulla's Hot Dogs will provide refreshments.

Dozens of runners turned out for last year's inaugural President's Run, in spite of unseasonable snow, ice and other blizzard-like weather conditions. Race Director Emma Bricker said she'd like to see some 250 runners and walkers line up on Henry Street this year.

 "I do hope for terrific weather because if it snows I'm going to get run out of town," she joked.

The President's Run benefits a scholarship fund to help local high school graduates attend OWU. Prizes will be awarded to the top 15 male and top 15 female runners and the top 3 male and top 3 female walkers. Chartwell's will provide post-race refreshments, and plans are in the works for entertainment at the race and throughout the day.

"Hopefully, we'll get some music out there as well," Bricker said.

Children 12 and under are invited to race the Bishop around the OWU track during the "Kids Battle the Bishop Run," scheduled to begin about 9:30 a.m. The race is free, but donations of glue sticks, colored pencils, construction paper, gently-used books or other school supplies are encouraged. The supplies will be donated to Delaware City Schools. All participating children must be registered by a parent or guardian.

Registration for runners and walkers ages 19 to 64 is $15 before April 17 and $20 after that date and on the day of the race.

Registration for students with identification, FIT OWU participants and those under 18 or over 65 is $10.

Race participants may register now at Second Sole Athletic Shoes 28 N. Sandusky St., or online. Race forms may be mailed to Alumni Relations Office, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, Ohio 43015.

Race day registration begins at 7:15 a.m. Packets, including a short-sleeved commemorative T-shirt, may be picked up at Second Sole in advance of the race, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. on race day. 

— Margo Bartlett