The twelfth annual Ashland University Homecoming 5k Fun Run is happening on Saturday, Oct. 21.  

The race will start and finish in front of the Recreation Center. Check-in will begin at 8:15 a.m., and the race will start at promptly 9:30 a.m. Check-in and registration will be outside of the Recreation Center. There will also be registration online through Event Brite. 

Nick Sparr, the graduate assistant of programs, intramural sports, and sports clubs, said, “Rather than paying a registration fee, we ask each participant to bring canned goods. We then donate those to the Ashland food bank.”  

 There are no additional costs to run the race. The first one hundred people to register and bring a canned good get a free Homecoming 5k Fun Run t-shirt.   

The race is put on by the Department of Recreation and Wellness, the Alumni Association, and the Ashland University women’s lacrosse team. The race is open for walkers, runners, staff, students, and community members.   

The run is also available to children of all ages.  

“We had a few strollers in the race last year” said Sparr. 

Maria Mancuso, a women’s lacrosse member, said, “Most of the girls direct each participant into the right direction of the course, take time, and ensure everyone crosses the finish line. The lacrosse team members will guide the participants throughout the race. There will be no road closings, and it will be started and finished in the same area.  

Everyone will start at the same time, and there are no divisions in the race. Although, there is a winner for the women and the men in the run. Jeffrey Steiner and Hannah Ohman were the two winners in last year’s race.  

Hannah Ohman, AU graduate and 2022 race winner said, ” My favorite part of the race would have to be when we went to Freer Field. It is a very beautiful walking trail, and it was so nice to see during the run. I also love the lacrosse team being there. It was nice to see student-athletes cheering you on, and it’s great to feel like you are at a good school and a part of the community.” 

If there are any questions regarding the event, contact the Recreation Center at (419) 289 5440 or email Nick Sparr at [email protected].