Photos by OHventures & Compass Media
The event was in conjunction with the City of Stow's Summer Sunset Blast, a weekend long celebration in town that serves as a farewell to summer. There were nearly 70 volunteers and countless spectators who were also present to help support the runners and the cause.
The festivities began that Saturday morning with day-of registration and packet pickup at 8:00 AM, and former WQMX DJ Chris Casale playing uptempo tunes to energize the crowd. Race Director Michael Evans sounded the horn at 9:00 AM to signify the start of the 5K. Everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers made their way down City Center Boulevard in Stow, soon making a turn on to the gravel and paved paths of the Akron General Wellness Trails located nearby.
These trails extended for approximately 0.4 miles, then sending runners down Lillian and Darrow Roads. The course looped around and guided runners back through the Wellness Trails to the finish line!
To get folks in a festive spirit, teal colored "birthday hats" and race day t-shirts were sprinkled throughout the crowd, and "birthday" muffins were presented to everyone who crossed the finish line. The Akron General Health & Wellness Express served as a backdrop to the after party, where runners gathered to cool down and hydrate with water provided by sponsor Giant Eagle. Additional muffins were for sale at the after party, and participants could visit tables to talk with representatives from Reflections Breast Health Center, the Heart Walk, Stow Parks & Recreation, and the Akron General Discovery Trunk.
An awards ceremony was led by Stow Mayor Sara Drew, which included a raffle of 100 Day Family Memberships to Lifestyles. Medals were given to winners who placed in his or her respective age group, and trophies were given to the overall female winner (Jodi Brown, 24, Medical/Surgical Staff RN) and overall male winner (Wes Parker, 34, Medical/Surgical Staff RN).
Special awards were also given to the runner who traveled the farthest (Matt Marshall of Columbus), the runner with the fewest birthdays (Hank Vucetic, 5), and the runner with the most birthdays (Norma Humbert, 82). A special award was also given to Mayor Drew for her participation in the run, and for serving as emcee.
The event was a success and a fantastic way to cap off the summer and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all!
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors & Partners: Akron General Women's Board, Akron General Young Professionals, CommuniCare, Compass Media, Event Source, Giant Eagle, Infocus Studios, Reflections Breast Health Center, Rubber City Radio Group, Run To You Racing, Stow Excellence in Education Foundation (SEEF), Stow Parks & Recreation Department, Summit County Historical Society.
The festivities began that Saturday morning with day-of registration and packet pickup at 8:00 AM, and former WQMX DJ Chris Casale playing uptempo tunes to energize the crowd. Race Director Michael Evans sounded the horn at 9:00 AM to signify the start of the 5K. Everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers made their way down City Center Boulevard in Stow, soon making a turn on to the gravel and paved paths of the Akron General Wellness Trails located nearby.
To get folks in a festive spirit, teal colored "birthday hats" and race day t-shirts were sprinkled throughout the crowd, and "birthday" muffins were presented to everyone who crossed the finish line. The Akron General Health & Wellness Express served as a backdrop to the after party, where runners gathered to cool down and hydrate with water provided by sponsor Giant Eagle. Additional muffins were for sale at the after party, and participants could visit tables to talk with representatives from Reflections Breast Health Center, the Heart Walk, Stow Parks & Recreation, and the Akron General Discovery Trunk.
An awards ceremony was led by Stow Mayor Sara Drew, which included a raffle of 100 Day Family Memberships to Lifestyles. Medals were given to winners who placed in his or her respective age group, and trophies were given to the overall female winner (Jodi Brown, 24, Medical/Surgical Staff RN) and overall male winner (Wes Parker, 34, Medical/Surgical Staff RN).
Special awards were also given to the runner who traveled the farthest (Matt Marshall of Columbus), the runner with the fewest birthdays (Hank Vucetic, 5), and the runner with the most birthdays (Norma Humbert, 82). A special award was also given to Mayor Drew for her participation in the run, and for serving as emcee.
The event was a success and a fantastic way to cap off the summer and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all!
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