AC Half Marathon a slice of Holmes County hospitality
A sea of runners head out from the starting line at last year’s Amish Country Half Marathon. A challenging but beautiful course awaits runners who join the fray, but the event continues to be a true showcase of Holmes County hospitality. This year’s race will take place Sept. 7, and spots remain available in the half marathon.
The noodles will flow, cow bells will ring, champions will be honored and runners will hit the pavement on Sept. 7 when the 11th annual Amish Country Half Marathon, 10k and 5k races take place.
The trio of races will kick off at Grace Church in Berlin near Bunker Hill, where a sea of runners, volunteers and supporters will gather together in the morning as the races start.
In its decade of racing, the event has developed a reputation for several things including the challenging hills that dot the half marathon course, the noodles served to runners as they complete the trek, fresh glazed doughnuts, the scenery and the many little extras that have helped create plenty of buzz around the race.
While the races highlight this event, it has grown into something far greater, serving as a way to showcase the generosity, hospitality and faith of Holmes County to the many runners who tackle the hills of East Holmes during their visit.
Event organizer Brent Miller said all of those little touches along with the incredible support from the community have helped make this race one that weaves everything Holmes County represents into one neat package.
“The ability we have to host this event and to create this incredible picture for our race participants in an inspiring Christian culture is a privilege and honor we take seriously, and it’s only possible through the generosity of our community that has shown so much support for us,” Miller said.
He said that commitment comes in the donation of food, its many volunteers, the East Holmes Fire and EMS members who man the course and provide safety for runners, financial donors, and the many people in the community who line the course and encourage the runners, many of them with cow bells ringing.
“Everyone who steps up and provides the finer touches that enhance our event allows us to put on a race that presents a lot of unique and personal touches that you won’t find at other events like this,” Miller said.
Since its inception the ACHM has served as a fundraiser for Pure Gift of God, a local adoption organization that has touched the lives of countless families across the nation, and East Holmes Fire & EMS, which continues to provide invaluable service to the area through its volunteer department.
“East Holmes Fire serves such a critical role in our community,” Miller said. “And it has been so amazing to watch Pure Gift of God grow and impact the nation. Through its adoption efforts, but also through their new programs they have created here on the local level, they’ve been an inspiration.”
Miller said both the 5k and 10k races are completely full, but there are still spots available in the half marathon, a 13.1-mile chase across some beautiful but challenging countryside that takes runners from Bunker Hill toward Trail, Walnut Creek and Berlin before returning to finish at Grace Church.
The races will kick off Saturday with the half marathon and 10k starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 5k beginning at 8 a.m. Throughout the event there will be live musical entertainment from the Jeff Polen Band, something Miller said adds to the Christian-based theme the event wants to portray in representing the community.
In addition, representatives will be available at a table for Pure Gift of God, and Miller said whether people run or not, they are welcome to stop by Grace Church to learn more about Pure Gift, grab a hot coffee and soak in the atmosphere.
Miller invites everyone to visit the event on race day or to grab a spot along the course to cheer on the runners. There are 15 race divisions for both men and women and awards for the top placers in each, as well as honoring the overall winners with prize money and each finisher receiving a finisher’s medal.
There is a complete map of the half marathon on the website for those hoping to set up chairs or tables to cheer on the runners.
Registration and more information can be found at www.runinamishcountry.com.