5K run planned for Peony Fest weekend

Van Wert Area CVB information

The fifth annual Van Wert City 5K Run will be held on Saturday, June 2, beginning at 8 a.m.

Runners will leave Smiley Park, turn west on Leeson Avenue, north on John Brown Road to Woodland Avenue.  Runners will proceed east on Woodland to Lincoln Street, south on Lincoln, west on Prospect Street, north on Davis Street to Woodland Avenue.

At that point, the run re-traces Woodland Avenue to the Baker addition, south on Marilyn Street, west on David Street, south on Linda Street, east on Kathy Street and south on Rose Drive to Leeson Avenue.  The run will end with a race west on Leeson Avenue to the starting point in Smiley Park.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling these streets between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Interested runners may register beginning at 6:30 the morning of the run.  Same day registration is $25.  Runners will be provided with electronic tabs for precise timing. The Lima Run Club is assisting with the timing.  Awards will be presented immediately following the Run.

Sponsors of this year’s run include Rick Sealscott, CPA; Van Wert County Hospital; Main Street Market; WERT/WKSD Radio; Pick ‘N’ Save; and the Van Wert City Parks Department.

Following the start of the 5K Run, a 2K Family Fun Walk/Run will begin at approximately 8:45 a.m.  The starting point for the 2K will be the pavilion in Smiley Park.  Walkers and joggers will travel from the park west on Leeson Avenue to John Brown Road; north on John Brown Road to Woodland Avenue; east on Woodland Avenue to second park entrance; and re-enter Smiley Park following the walk way back to the starting pavilion.

Participants will register the morning of the Walk at the park.  All participants will receive a participation ribbon. Registration fee is $1. Each dollar will go to support Honor Flights of Northwest Ohio — a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2007 to send veterans from northwest Ohio to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built to honor their service. To date, 859 veterans have safely flown on 22 flights to see their memorials.

The 2K Family Walk/Run is sponsored once again this year by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The public is encouraged to come out to Smiley Park or line the run route to cheer on the runners.