UNION CITY, Ind. — The inaugural Coach Noff Memorial 5K Run will be held Sept. 10 at 8:30 a.m. in Union City, Indiana. This family-friendly run/walk is being organized in conjunction with the Union City Arts Festival to honor the legacy of longtime Union City coach, teacher, and runner Jim Noffsinger.
The run is just one of many events planned for Union City’s Arts Festival weekend, Sept. 9-11. Eddie Money is headlining the weekend on Friday night and with many class reunions taking place that weekend, the Coach Noff 5K will add to the community’s vibrant spirit. (www.facebook.com/UnionCityArtFestival )
The run starts and finishes at the newly constructed Artisan Crossing Park at the railroad track between the Arts Depot and the Old Hotel Museum (Pearl Street between Columbia and Howard streets). The route will go through town toward Harter Park where Coach Jim Noffsinger put in many miles of running himself and coached hundreds of other runners on that cross country course.
Top overall male and female finishers will receive a voucher for a pair of New Balance running shoes (Coach Noff’s favorite). Age group winners will also be recognized. Runners and walkers of all ability levels are welcome. The run is also stroller and dog-friendly (dogs must be on a leash at all times).
Registration for individuals is $20 (includes t-shirt) and must be received by August 31. If no shirt required, registration is $10 due by Sept. 8. Family registration (4-6 people registered in one transaction) is $60, includes shirts, and must be received by Aug. 31.
To register for the run, go online to www.getmeregistered.com/coachnoff5k .
The Coach Noff Memorial 5K Run is being organized to remember Jim Noffsinger, a devoted Union City teacher and coach who lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 31, 2015. Born and raised in Union City, Noffsinger returned to teach in his hometown after graduating from Manchester College in 1969. For three generations as a teacher, coach, and mentor, “Noff” touched the lives of many students, athletes, and young leaders with his enthusiasm for recognizing personal success and scholastic and athletic achievements. Through 33 years of teaching health, physical education and driver education, coaching 100 athletic teams, and inspiring hundreds of teenagers to make responsible decisions throughout the State of Indiana as the state’s SADD coordinator, Noff’s legacy of community service has left a significant mark on Union City, Randolph County, and many other communities throughout Indiana.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jim and Linda Noffsinger Community Enrichment Fund through the Community Foundation of Randolph County.
Check out more information about the run at: www.facebook.com/coachnoff5k
