Run for Home supports Habitat project
Additional activities include a kids run with eclipse-themed activities built into the run, face painting and a photo booth.
The Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Run for Home is joining the excitement over the total solar eclipse that will cut a wide path across parts of Ohio on Monday, April 8.
The Run for Home will be held the weekend before the eclipse and has adopted an eclipse theme in the race logo, shirts and awards. The first 500 race participants to pick up their race packets will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses.
“The eclipse is generating lots of interest, and we wanted to tie into this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Race Director Matt Ritzert said.
All proceeds from the Run for Home will benefit Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. The funds will help finance construction of a new home for the Albert and Shanie Poole family. In the past 16 years, the Run for Home has generated $256,000 for Habitat projects in Tuscarawas County.
The weekend will feature a variety of running and walking events for the family. The schedule on Saturday includes a 1-mile fun run/walk, a 5k race and a 10k race. Additional activities include a kids run with eclipse-themed activities built into the run, face painting and a photo booth.
“Saturday is really family day with the kids run and other activities. The 1-mile event features special discounts for families and groups to make it affordable for everyone to participate,” Ritzert said.
On Sunday, April 7, the Run for Home half-marathon and team relay will wind their way from Tuscora Park to Dover City Park and back to the finish line in Tuscora Park.
“We’re offering a $200 cash prize to the fastest male and female runners who break the course records. And runners who’ve qualified for the Boston Marathon register for the half-marathon at a discounted price,” Ritzert said.
Registration is open for all events at www.runforhome.org. The event is part of the Ohio Subway Challenge Series. The kids run is free, and no registration is needed.
Race organizers are recruiting volunteers for race weekend.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Run for Home,” volunteer coordinator Sheila Samson Witt said.
Volunteers are needed to help with everything from helping participants on the race course to distributing water at the finish line. Volunteers can call or email Witt at 330-447-0099 or shera205@icloud.com. Volunteers also can sign up online by using the link on the homepage of the Run for Home website. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt.
Here's the complete schedule for the weekend. All activities are headquartered in the Tuscora Park dining hall:
Saturday, April 6
—8-11 a.m., packet pickup in Tuscora Park dining hall.
—9 a.m., kids run/relay.
—9:30 a.m., 1-mile fun run/walk.
—10:30 a.m., 5k/10k start.
—12:30 p.m., 5k/10k course closes.
Sunday, April 7
—6-7:30 a.m., packet pickup in Tuscora Park dining hall.
—7:30 a.m., half-marathon/team relay start.
—11 a.m., half-marathon and team relay course close.