Published: September 11, 2009 07:59 pm      

Greenway run set for Sept. 26

Organizers hope to raise money, project awareness

Whether you’re looking to break-in those new running shoes or wear out the old ones, you are invited to participate in the Ohio River Greenway’s two-miler this month.

Runners, walkers and those with a tempo somewhere between are welcome to participate. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 26. Participants will start at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater and go down the Greenway to near the K & I Bridge and back. The Ohio River Greenway is a federally funded project that seeks to connect riverfronts in New Albany, Clarksville and Jeffersonville along a continuous pedestrian and bicycle path. The two-miler is a third annual event, although for the last two years it has been known as the Greenway 5k and has been in Clarksville and Jeffersonville.

The two-miler will be a bit shorter than the previous years’ events as a 5k is about 3.1 miles, said Shauna Graf, project coordinator.

As the various parts of the Greenway are completed, organizers hope to lengthen and stretch out the run between all three communities, said Graf.

Those registering to run before Monday, can pay a $25 entrance fee in advance and receive a shirt or pay $15 and run without the shirt. Those registering after Monday can pay $20, but will not be guaranteed a shirt. Race day registration is allowed, Graf said.

Registration forms and information is available at ohiorivergreenway.org.

All the money raised by the event benefits the Greenway. However, Graf notes, that the race is more about raising awareness of the project than raising cash.

The project is federally funded, however, public support of the project is essential so that the area’s congressional representatives will ask for the funding, Graf said.

“I think we have been able to garner awareness for the project,” she said.

In it’s first year, about 96 people participated. Last year about 200 entered the race. Organizers have a goal of about 300 this year, she said.

Rep. Baron Hill, one of the congressmen responsible for bringing funding to the project, participated in the run last year and is expected to do so again this year.