The 10th annual AMETEK Tree City 5K benefitting the United Way of Portage County will take place on Saturday, July 6, beginning at Dix Stadium. Again this year, the race is part of the annual Kent Heritage Festival, and the money raised will be used to fund more than 43 health and human service programs in the Portage County community. Kent State University is one of many sponsors.
Last year, there were 230 registered runners in the Tree City 5K, and this year United Way is hoping for 300 participants. United Way hopes the addition of the walking component to the 5K will attract more participants.
The Tree City 5K is a scenic point-to-point course, which will run from Kent State’s Dix Stadium through the Kent Campus and finish in the city of Kent.
“I’m looking forward to a perfect day in Kent for our 5K race and walk,” says Stephanie Rummel, director of development for the United Way of Portage County.
Rummel plans to raise additional funding this year by asking family, friends and business associates to sponsor her to walk instead of work the event. This way, she can help with the race, but raise additional awareness and money for the community.
Participants can pre-register online through July 3. Early registration will take place at Dairy Queen on 1443 South Water St., Kent, on July 5 from 5 to 7 p.m., and July 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The pre-registration fee is $20, and the fee for participants registering the day of the race is $25.
Check-in on race day will be from 6 to 6:45 p.m., rain or shine, at Dix Stadium. The race will begin at 7 p.m., and the race course closes at 8:15 p.m. There are awards and cash prizes for qualifying participants. Awards are given for the top three males and females overall, top masters male and female and top three in age groups.
An after party, for participants 21 and older, which is sponsored by Yuengling Light, will take place at the 157 Lounge in downtown Kent. Race entry includes food, one Yuengling Light and a chance to win numerous door prizes that have been donated by local businesses.
For more information, including parking and shuttle information, full schedule of events, course map and more, visitwww.treecityrace.com.
For more information about the United Way of Portage County, visit www.uwportage.org.