PREBLE COUNTY — Preble County Victim Witness will be holding its 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 23. Registration will be from noon to 1 p.m., with the race beginning promptly at 1:15 p.m. There is a $25 pre-registration fee which includes entry and t-shirt. Day of the race registration is $25, with no guarantee of a t-shirt.
Age divisions are: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 55-65, and 66 and over. Prizes include: 1st Place Overall Male and Female and 1st and 2nd Place for each age division.
All proceeds will benefit victims of crime in Preble County.
Ten years ago, the 5K was developed in order to bring people together to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and the community to fight for crime victims’ rights. To help celebrate the 10th year, they will be giving out goody bags with free items and discount coupons to the first 20 participants who register prior to race day.
There will also be an onsite raffle of larger items, including $25 gift cards to City Bar-B-Q, Sarah’s Pizza, Walmart, and The Depot. There will also be free or discounted tickets to COSI, Wiley’s Comedy Club, U.D. Flyers basketball and football tickets, and Newport Aquarium passes. All participants will receive five free raffle tickets, but there will be additional raffle tickets available for purchase.
Participants must be present to win.
There is also an opportunity to be an event sponsor.
Platinum Level is $100 or more donation and the company will receive its logo on the back of the shirt, framed sponsorship certificate, logo listed on race day banner, and a gold ticket that entitles the sponsor to one free registration for the 5K.
Gold Level is $50 or more donation and the company will receive its logo on the back of t-shirt, sponsorship certificate, and logo listed on race day banner.
Silver Level is $25 or more donation and the company will receive its logo on the back of event t-shirt and on the race day banner.
According to Victim Witness Advocates Brenda Miller and Jenni Baker, the walk was organized to give victims and families a time to come together in recognition of their loved ones, but the walk also helps others understand what these people have gone through.
“The more people who witness that know that there are outlets and ways to get help,” Baker said.
“[Victims] feel alone and like nobody is here. Oftentimes they don’t know what we do and don’t know what supports are out there,” Miller added.
People who participate in the 5K get to see the love and support firsthand and then become a reference if they ever see anyone else in need.
“We would love for people to come out and support this cause and have a good time,” Baker said.
To sponsor or sign up, call Preble County Victim Witness Program at 937-456-9110, contact on Victim Witness on Facebook, or register and pay entry fees online at www.speedy-feet.com.
