Volunteers are needed for the New Moon Half & Quarter Marathon and the Crescent Moon 5K in downtown Delaware next weekend.
Registrations for the event’s fourth year have surpassed last year at nearly 1,200 runners and walkers. Several downtown merchants will be involved.
Nearly 40 percent of them come from outside Delaware and Franklin counties, said Craig Thompson, event experience director at Greenswell, the event organizer.
“It’s just a great showcase for the city of Delaware,” he said.
As of Friday, Thompson said they have about half of the 200 volunteers needed for the event. There are incentives for nonprofits to contribute as Greenswell offers grants if volunteers are provided, he said.
“Without volunteers we couldn’t put on the event,” Thompson said. “We need more groups for volunteers.”
Additionally, the 2017 event will feature a new course that will take runners through the historic business district, local neighborhoods, Ohio Wesleyan University’s campus, around Mingo Park and alongside the Olentangy River.
Participants will receive a T-shirt, swag bag, a free drink, food and access to a post-race party on Sandusky Street from William to Winter streets. City Council approved the permit for a beer garden in downtown earlier this year.
“This event is where fitness meets fun and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish,” Thompson said.
Among the participants will include “18 champions” from Team Heart & Sole, he said. “Champions are disabled athletes that are supported by a team of 4-6 runners who take turns pushing them throughout the selected distance.”
It will be the organization’s first visit to Delaware and will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. May 27.
For information about the event go to www.raceroster.com/events/2017/10920/new-moon-half-quarter-marathon-crescent-moon-5k.
