"5K Season" by Gretchen Marty

One of my favorite things to do in Columbus every spring is to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. On the 3rd Saturday of every May, over 45,000 people flood downtown Columbus to donate their time, money and emotional support to, in my opinion, one of the most important issues facing America: the fight against breast cancer.

For me personally, I also use the Komen as a sort of “kick off to 5k season.”

I love running outside and get so excited every spring when the weather finally turns the corner to allow us all back outside to get fit. I have recently had the pleasure of training for 5k season (and possibly a half marathon this fall) with Ms. CS herself.

While on our runs we talk about the important issues facing the young and fabulous in Columbus these days, one of which is always the best way to donate our time to the many great charities in and around Columbus, whether it be gambling the night away at Kinder Key’s annual Denim & Diamonds, visiting with the monkey’s at the Columbus Zoo to support St. Jude’s Hospital, or waking up early to run for a good cause almost any Saturday or Sunday morning in the summer.

5k season in Columbus is a great way to support a local or national cause and do a little something for yourself at the same time. Let’s face it, while battling breast cancer is one of the most prominent causes, it certainly isn’t the only one.

Many smaller charities and scholarship funds have established a 5k race as a way to
raise money and awareness.

I try and run in at least one race every month for a cause that I care about and there are plenty of them to choose from.

This year I have decided to run in one race every weekend that I am in town for June, July, August and September.

The races I have ran so far and the ones I will be running, with the charities I am supporting this summer are:

June 9 – Kayla 5K www.kayla5k.com

June 15 – Run for Pride http://www.columbuspride.org

June 24 – Race for Ellie http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1007148

July 4 – Granville Firecracker 5 Mile http://premierraces.com/viewevent.asp?eventID=511

July 14 – Dash for Donation http://dashfordonation.org

July 21- Color Run http://thecolorrun.com/columbus (I will proudly be participating on Ms. CS’s team)

August 4 – For Your Health 5K http://www.lmhealth.org/Foundation/FoundationIndex.aspx?id=5k

August 12 – Columbus Half Marathon 10K 5K http://www.ultrafit-usa.com/colshalfmarathon_12.html

August 19 – CHA Dog Jog http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/DogJog.html

September 9 – Strides for Hope http://www.ocao.org/SforH2012.aspx

September 16 – Licking County Humane Society’s Pet-a-palooza http://premierraces.com/viewevent.asp?eventID=516

September 22 – Rhythm & Shoes https://www.premierraces.com/viewevent.asp?eventID=454

I realize that this endeavor is a little nuts, but it should be fun...A great way to stay fit and help others.

I challenge you to find a cause you think is worthy not only of your money but of your sweat as well!

For more races in the Central Ohio area please visit: https://www.premierraces.com/events.asp

Thanks Gretchen!!

Eventing off,
Miss C.S.