ASHLAND — Ashland County’s longest running 5K is set to kick off Saturday, June 27 at the Ashland High School Community Stadium.
Though the 30th annual Ashland Balloonfest was postponed until next summer and replaced with the 29th 1/2 flyover, the 26th annual Ashland Balloonfest 5K will not take a hiatus this summer.
The event is intended to recognize local runners and raise funds that benefit Ashland Middle School and High School Cross Country athletes. It’s organized by the Ashland Cross Country Parents Organization (ACCPO).
We also recognize that now, more than ever, it is important to help maintain your health with good habits such as running, social engagement, and being outdoors,” said event spokesperson Sarah Kerr. “The goal is to provide our community with a competitive race while adhering to CDC recommended social distancing and safety guidelines. Generally speaking, the only contact runners should have is their feet hitting the ground.”
The race will begin at the Ashland High School Community Stadium, but will have a staggered start with social distancing at the starting line. Race timing will start as each individual crosses the starting line.
The award ceremony will begin one hour after the race starts. Awards will be handed out by a race committee volunteer that will be wearing a mask and gloves. Those attending the race ceremony should be seated in the stands and socially distanced by at least six feet.
Those in attendance are asked to maintain a safe distance of six feet with others outside of their household. Those who do not feel well or have a pre-existing medical condition are advised to not attend.
All Balloonfest 5k volunteers will have a temperature check and health screening upon arrival at the race site.
Registration and packet pick-up
On-site registration will be available the day of the race from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The charge will be $35 for same day registration.
All participants may pre-register for $25 online by Wednesday, June 24. To be guaranteed a race shirt, you must register by June 15.
The race will have a cap of 200 participants.
Pre-race packet pick-up will be available on Friday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Spreng-Smith Insurance Agency at 320 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio. Packets mustbe picked up prior to this race. Someone else is permitted to pick-up on the runner’s behalf.
When you or your designee arrives, please text 419-606-9613 and inform the volunteer of your full name and vehicle type and color. The race volunteer will bring the packet to your car and will be wearing a mask and gloves. All race packets will have been prepared by race volunteers having worn mask and gloves.
Pre-registered participants are asked to not arrive at the race site before 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.
To help ensure the safety of the participants, the organizers ask that all adhere to the following recommendations:
- Participants are required to be completely self-sufficient. There will notbe a water stop at the mid-point.
- Participants are to follow the CDC safe distancing guidelines of six feet.
- Participants must be in good health and symptom free from any illness for at least two weeks prior to the event. For any participant with a prior positive COVID-19 test, you must be symptom free for the prior 30-day period.
- We ask that spectators be kept to a minimum and socially distance by a minimum of six feet. Spectators are not to attend if ill and recommended to not attend if they have an underlying medical condition that places them at greater risk.
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