Put-in-Bay 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk, an event for all runners

Want to go?
WHAT: Put-in-Bay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk
WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
WHERE: The Boathouse Bar & Grill, 218 Hartford Ave., Put-in-Bay
COST: $25/participant
INFO: 5katputinbay.com
 
For every one of those smug people driving around with a “13.1” or “26.2” bumper sticker rubbing their long distance running in our face, there are a hundreds of folks who can barely get through a run of any substantive distance at the gym without the help of an iPod, book, magazine or television. We’re working as hard as we can to convince ourselves we’re not running.
 
Well, for those distraction dependent folks, the Put-in-Bay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk, taking place Sept. 22 around the Lake Erie island, is the race for you. The entire event offers a scenic course, much of it winding along the island shoreline. The race is sponsored by Miller Boat Line with proceeds going to the Mother of the Sorrows Catholic Church.
 
“I’ve heard it called one of the most picturesque races in Ohio,” said Miller Boat Line co-owner Julene Market, who calls Put-in-Bay home all year long. “It’s relaxing and the course is all flat roads. So for someone who is training, it’s an easy, nice route. And for new people, it’s a flat course and something beautiful to look at all the way around.”
 
Entering its 9th year, the Put-in-Bay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk takes place annually on the third weekend of September. What started out attracting just under 200 runners has grown into a major Northwest Ohio event with more than 650 runners attending last year. Market said she expects to see even more growth in 2012.
 
“I think people really enjoy the course,” Market said. “It’s sort of just a relaxing, low-key race and walk. I see people here pushing strollers with babies, and I see families come together to run or walk the course. People really enjoy this race. Also, there are many awards.”
 
Adding to the allure of the event are the unique awards handed out. Engraved Lake Erie rocks will be awarded to the overall male and female runner for 5K and 1 Mile, the top 5K male and female runners who are Put-In-Bay residents, as well the top two 5K male and female runners in each age division (10 and under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, and 60 and over).
 
So with all of this hype and talk about the Put-in-Bay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk, does that mean Market will be partaking in the sweaty fun?
 
“I am not a runner,” Market laughed. “You’re making me think I should get out there and maybe be a walker instead. So, absolutely, I will consider doing that.”
 
Put-in-Bay 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk is scheduled for Sept. 22. The race begins at The Boathouse Restaurant in downtown Put-in-Bay. Admission is $25 per person. Pre-registered runners will receive a t-shirt on race day, as well as bottled water and access to fresh fruit. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with the 1 Mile Family Fun Walk beginning at 9:15 a.m. and the 5K run kicking off at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Mother of Sorrows Church. For more information, visit www.5katputinbay.com