It’s not too often that Licking County comes up against a half marathon.
Whether you want to walk or run a mile, 5k, 10k, or the full 13.1 mile adventure, you can strap on and make your mark at Legend Elementary School in Newark on April 30 at 9:00 a.m. The “Run with Fire” event is organized by Newark Christian Apostolic Church. Families will enjoy food trucks, face paint, a kids’ obstacle course, and an “open truck” provided by the Newark Fire Department for curious kids to explore. This inaugural run/walk is a fundraiser to support community events organized by the church.
“It’s about trying to engage our youth,” said Tabitha Hancock, CAOT Events Coordinator. “Whether it’s a group trip or a visit to the trampoline park. We try to do something most Fridays, to provide a safe alternative to whatever they might get into on a Friday night.
The apostolic church focuses on supporting teens from grade 6 through high school.
Under the hot morning sun of late April, the kick-off will launch the half-marathon at 9:15 a.m. The 10k starts at 9:30 a.m., the 5k at 9:45 a.m. and the mile at 10 a.m. Runners can register here, and the entrance fee includes a T-shirt. Special 40% discount for students, educators, first responders, medical personnel, veterans and active military; email Tabitha Hancock to receive this discount code.
Everyone is welcome to run and support, regardless of church affiliation. Each runner and walker will receive a medal, and a rather astonishing 144 prizes will be awarded. Here is the breakdown:
The three fastest men and women in each of the following age groups will receive a prize:
In-person registration will also open at 8:30 a.m. just before the race, for those living on the outskirts.
This event is sponsored by HeartbeatsTogether, let’s grow community gardens Together we grow community gardensand Operation Christmas Child.
Although not a religious event, the church named it “Running with Fire” in reference to the apostolic tradition of speaking in tongues; the “tongues of fire” are a symbol for receiving the gift of the holy spirit, where the fire represents the holy spirit.
