DARKE COUNTY – A group of Darke County leaders want all the fun and hard work of a 5k, 15k and Half Marathon to benefit the local community. They will host the 2nd annual YOLO Festival of Races on Sunday, Sept. 6 where all proceeds will benefit the YOLO Community Fund.
Phillip and Jodi Pierri lead the charge in reminding people that You Only Live Once, which is a good reason to take your health seriously while living life to its fullest. They started planning for this event two years ago when they decided to form a committee of highly energized people that were determined to find a way for everyone to have fun and make a difference while giving back to the local community.
The first project for the YOLO Community Fund was to provide a new speaker system for music in downtown Greenville, Ohio year-round. With the unbelievable support from this community last year, YOLO along with the Greyson James Steyer fund have managed to fully fund that project and music will be begin this month. The YOLO Festival of Races wanted the community to see the immediate impact of their support.
The group also wants to remind you of their major goal, which is to add a new park and splash pad right here in Greenville, Ohio for community residents and visitors to enjoy. The 2014 event raised over $25,000 and the 2015 event is on track to exceed last year’s total.
Half Marathon runners will cross the starting line at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6 in the Greenville High School Stadium and route throughout the city on a mostly flat terrain, returning to the stadium for the finish.
The 15k, 5k and free Kids Fun Run will have staggered starts after the Half Marathon participants have cleared.
The YOLO Organization listened to your comments from last year, and hope to make this year’s event even more exceptional. There will be entertainment along the course for everyone to enjoy — live music, spirited cheerleaders and wacky water stations to name a few.
An awards ceremony is slated for 10 a.m. in the stadium featuring cash prizes for course records! In addition, EUM Church will have an outdoor service beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Marlin Band Shell after the races. Food trucks will be on hand for both events..
The YOLO Organization wants to thank all of it’s current race sponsors, participants, and volunteers. There is still time to register and become involved.
