Ohio University

Race for a Reason strives to raise $60,000 for Athens community

Mar 20, 2013
From staff reports

The largest charity-based race event in Athens—the O’Bleness Health Systems Race for a Reason—will draw hundreds of Ohio University community members for three different races on April 27.

A joint venture between Ohio University Athletes in Action and The Center for Sports Administration, the Race for a Reason allows individuals to raise funds for the charity of their choice. This year’s event co-directors are Kate McGowan and Mike Wendling. Bill Hauschild of Athletes in Action is lending a very helping hand in the advising and planning process.

This year’s goal is to exceed 1,000 combined participants and to raise more than $60,000 for charities and organizations around the county.

Participants may run as individuals or with an organization in one of three unique races:

• Athletes In Action Triathlon: A short sprint format that begins at the Ohio University Aquatic Center, then heads out of town on a challenging bike course before returning to campus to complete a 5K run and finish at TailGreat Park.
• ROCKY Military Mud Run powered by OU ROTC: A challenging and nontraditional run starting on campus and heading up to the Army ROTC Training course at the Ridges, through mud pits and obstacles, before heading down to a slip-n-slide finish line at TailGreat Park.
• 33rd Annual OU HCOM Medicine Run/Walk presented by Diagnostic Hybrids: A traditional 5K run/walk that will start on campus and finishes with a picturesque run along the bike trail, finally ending at TailGreat Park.

Participants can raise funds for any charity, nonprofit organization or cause that means something to them, setting a goal and raising money through pledges and donations. A portion of each registration fee is automatically donated to the charity of the participant’s choice.

“We are proud to partner with Race for a Reason again this year,” said Greg Long, president and CEO of O’Bleness Health System. “We believe this is a great way for individuals in the community to make a difference by raising money for what matters to them. The mission of this event aligns perfectly with the mission of O’Bleness Health System.”

For more information about the O’Bleness Health Systems Race for a Reason and to register, visit http://ouraceforareason.com/, and follow the event on Twitter (@OURace4Reason) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/OBlenessHealthSystemRaceForAReason).