By Linda Collins
Fairborn Daily Herald
ENON – Registration is underway for the 18th Annual Enon 5K Run/Walk, and organizers of the fundraising event are inviting runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels to lace up their shoes and share a morning of camaraderie while raising funds for A Special Wish Foundation and the Greenon High School cross-country team.
The family-friendly fundraiser, which is a certified-timed, 5K run/walk, will take place at Indian Valley Intermediate School, 510 S. Xenia Drive Sunday, Oct. 9. Start time for the race is 9 a.m.; race-day registration and event check-in beginning at 8 a.m.
“We hold the community run/walk during the weekend of the Enon Apple Butter Festival because it draws more families and individuals to the fundraiser,” said Anita Patton who, along with Tonya Roberds, spearheads the annual event.
Patton and Roberds have teamed up again this year with the members of the Greenon High School cross-country team, their parents, and Western Medicine, Inc. and have organized a fun-packed morning. Participants will step off at the intermediate school and travel a 3.1-mile course throughout several neighborhoods in the village. They will then return to the school where they will cross the finish line.
The annual event will also feature a free fun run for children six years old and under, which will be held in front of the intermediate school. The race will begin at 10 a.m., and all participants will receive a medal.
The post-race festivities will consist of a variety of refreshments, door prizes, a health fair and an award ceremony. Runners and walkers can enjoy free water provided by Aqua Falls, bananas donated by Howard’s IGA, and apples supplied by Peifer Orchards as well as other tasty snacks.
Western Medicine Inc., 7790 Dayton Road, will offer free basic health screenings to citizens in the community, including blood pressure, blood sugar and body fat screenings. Awards will be presented to the top three men and women runners overall and the top three male and female finishers in each of 13 age categories.
“CrossWalk Worship Center will also be passing bottle water to participants when they turn on Royal Lane,” Patton added.
The Annual Enon 5K Run/Walk has united local runners and walkers since its inception in 1998 in an effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer and for organizations that support the needs of young patients.
Patton noted that the majority of the funds raised this year would go directly to the Springfield Chapter of A Special Wish Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to granting the wishes to local children under the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The remaining portion of funds raised will benefit the Greenon High School cross-country program.
Patton expressed her appreciation to a long list of local supporters and sponsors. She also expressed her gratitude to Enon residents Kathy Estep and Dave and Kris Smith, who have volunteered much of their time and effort with the event planning and preparations.
“I love how many people get so excited each year,” said Patton. “The enthusiasm, community participation, and yearly support make this event so special. We are so blessed to have such a kindhearted community.”
Early registration for a discounted rate has ended. However, those wishing to participate in the 5K run/walk can sign up through the morning of the event for a $30 registration fee, which also includes a T-shirt while they last. Anyone wanting to register prior to the day of the event can do so online at www.speedy-feet.com or contact Patton at 937-360-3150 or Roberds at 937-864-2718 to obtain a registration form.
“The power of A Special Wish is a wonderful thing for the children in this community who have experienced serious medical issues,” Patton said. “The more money we raise ─ the more wishes we can grant.”
