United Way puts the ‘Heart and Sole’ into fundraiser race
Wooster will close some of its streets, allowing runners and walkers to traverse the 5k, 10k and half-marathon routes of the annual United Way Heart and Sole fundraiser race.
One donation.
Two counties.
Four areas of great need met.
Twenty-three local organizations.
Forty programs.
Those helped through the generosity of giving … countless.
The United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties’ Heart and Sole Race will be Saturday, Aug. 3. This is the 15th annual race benefiting local programs supported by the local United Way.
Whether it is an individual or a corporate sponsorship, signing up to run for others begins and ends with many people coming together in hopes of aiding people in the region in need of assistance.
Heart and Sole has become a huge fundraiser for United Way while at the same time it gives corporations a chance to do some team-building while promoting a wellness plan.
According to Katie Koglman, executive director of United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties, it is amazing what one gift can become when it is connected with many other gifts.
“We have a lot of different ways that people can get involved with the race,” Koglman said. “The race has really morphed over the years, and while people know about the event, what many people don’t realize is that this is a huge fundraiser for United Way. We are very excited about creating a buzz about this event, and our hope is that people see this as a time to create a lot of unity in our community. As we move forward in our fundraising efforts, we use this race as a kick-off to our campaign’s push to close out 2019.”
As part of the fundraising effort, businesses and corporations are invited to become corporate sponsors. Companies are invited to sponsor their own team and pay all or a portion of the entry fee for each employee who would like to participate.
Any company that signs up for a corporate race team will be given a code in which their members can use to sign up. Koglman said some companies choose to pay the entire entry fee, some have done 50/50 splits with employees and there are options in between.
“We have really had fun with our corporate teams,” Koglman said. “A lot of companies will have special T-shirts made for the event. We have a selfie station where teams can take pictures together, and it really is a nice time to build relationships for a company.”
The Heart and Sole offers three races including a 5k walk or run, 10k run and half-marathon. All of the races will begin in downtown Wooster.
A Friday Night Pick-up Party, where participants will get started with a packet pick-up at United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties at 215 S. Walnut St. in Wooster, is new to the race this year.
Complete with a disc jockey playing music, food and prizes, the Friday night event allows teams to pick up their packets and enjoy an evening of relaxation and fellowship before the run the next day.
“It’s something new for us, and we were excited about the idea because it is one more chance for people to get together and build relationships,” Koglman said.
On race day Saturday morning, runners and walkers will gather at the corner of North Street and North Market Street in downtown Wooster to kick off whatever race option they choose to participate in.
The half-marathon, a 13.1-mile course for those seeking a challenge, will begin at 7 a.m. The 10k walk/run of 6.2 miles will begin at 7:15 a.m. while the 5k walk/run of 3.1 miles will start at 7:30 a.m.
The half-marathon will take a new route this year through Oak Hill, around the new Kinney building and back around Oak Hill Park again. The new trek takes advantage of some of the new walking and running paths around town.
Those wishing to register for the event may do so at www.tinyurl.com/2019heart-sole. Registrations will be taken until race time Aug. 3. The entry cost is $40 for the 5k, $50 for the 10k and $60 for the half-marathon.
Included in the registration packet are the packet pick-up party, race entry bib, premium Next-Level T-shirt, post-race snacks and drinks, chip timing, finishers medals, and commemorative Asics running socks.
Prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female divisions; first, second and third; and others. While the race is usually around 800-900 people, Koglman said they are hoping to move past the 1,000-participant number this year.
If a company prefers to pass on the running portion of the event but still wants to get involved, they may do so by becoming a corporate sponsor or by sending volunteers to work at the many hydration stations or at the start/finish line.
“Working at the hydration stations is a great way for people to get involved because they not only provide hydration, they become cheerleaders along the way,” Koglman said.
As for becoming a corporate sponsor, recognition awards begin as low as $250 and go up from there with all of those funds going directly into the capital campaign fund. United Way also is seeking any companies that would like to donate gift items for the runners’ gift bags with items like mugs, hand sanitizer, pens and any small company gifts being welcomed to the growing list of memorabilia for the swag bags.
“This is a very family-friendly event,” Koglman said. “We invite anyone who is interested in being a part in any way to please call us at 330-264-5576. This event really is the heart and soul of our fundraising efforts to be able to aid those organizations that have played such an integral part in helping people throughout our counties.”