Run, ride fare for summer

By Pamela Glason Thornton
Staff Writer
Union County Post

July in Marysville means a deluge of visitors and motorcyclists. The Union County Fair is July 23-29 at the Union County Fairgrounds. Motorcycle Day at the Fair is Wed., July 25 and custom bike shows can be found everywhere. Casual street tours during July reveal people involved in numerous activities in the great outdoors. Annual celebrations that involve local residents draw visitors from both regional and international locales.
A foot race, the Run-4-Kids, will be held on July 21. Runners take the scenic route through the streets of Marysville beginning at the Honda Marysville Auto Dealership, at 640 Coleman’s Crossing Blvd., which is located next to the Honda Motor Sports store.
“ The run will include an indoor route within Coleman’s Crossing – the Home Depot store,” reported Tiffany Armine, a Honda spokesperson and race organizer.
The 5k course begins at Honda Marysville, runs northeast onto Fifth St., turns left onto Coleman’s Crossing, goes south, loops before Industrial Parkway, goes into Home Depot and comes out for the finish.
Persons who pre-register will be entered in a raffle. Awards will be given for runners’ outstanding race performance.
“ The course is flat and potentially fast. After Home Depot, runners make their way back onto the course and to the finish line,” added Armine.
To round out the July 21 run-related festivities, Astounded, an area band, is scheduled to be on stage to provide live music and customized Honda championship race vehicles will be on display in the (Coleman’s Crossing) parking lot. A BBQ will provide free food for run participants.
The foot race was added last year as an outgrowth of the Honda-sponsored Ride 4 Kids charity ride. The ride, an annual gathering of thousands of motorcyclists, helps children with cancer and raises money to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Through the initiatives, adults who are exercising their love for a sport are giving back to children who need help in a big way.
Run-4-Kids’ registration can be done in advance at Columbus Running, 6455 Perimeter Dr., Dublin, Ohio and will also be accepted on race day at the Honda Marysville Auto Dealership showroom located at 640 Coleman’s Crossing. To learn registration cost details or to register, go to the website www.
columbusrunning.com.
All proceeds from the Run-4-Kids and Ride for Kids events will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
On the occasion of the gathering and activities, the American Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive for the area. On Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., individuals can donate blood adjacent to the Vendors Square at Sixth & Plum Streets. In its search for donors, The American Red Cross emphasizes the need to supplement the blood supply and that each pint of blood has the potential to save three lives.
Christy Clark, Director, Union County Convention & Visitors Bureau, stresses that a Welcome Home Party will be held Fri., July 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Uptown Marysville at the corner of Main & Fifth Streets.
“ The Welcome Home Party on Friday is free. People can enjoy a DJ during the day and Paradise Island band in the evening from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.,” said Clark. The Welcome Home Party will also include BBQ, homemade ice cream and other items.
Activities for children will be plentiful as well. The Kidz Korner will be in operation from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday during the Welcome Home Party. Children can play games, participate in numerous activities including the Bouncy House, climbing wall, reptile show and meet Freddie the Robot and have their photo taken with Yogi Bear for free.
The Wheelie Wizzard who performs motorcycle stunts on the square in uptown Marysville will be active on Friday beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Other highlights of the Honda Homecoming festivities include The Light Parade which commences at 9 p.m. (dusk) on Fri., July 27. Motorcyclists will leave from Main & Fifth Streets in Uptown Marysville. The public is invited to come out to line the route to cheer as the bikes drive past.
The climax of the celebration, The Homecoming Fest will take place at Honda Marysville, 640 Coleman’s Crossing, on Sat., July 28 from 4 to Midnight. Admission is free and there is a fee for concessions from local restaurants.
For more information about the fair, go to the Web site, www.ohiounioncoutyfair.org. To hear more about the variety of activities going on this summer, go to www.unioncounty.org or contact Clark at 1-800-642-0087.
Either way, have a fun-filled summer!