The Paden City Foundation will hold its third annual Foundation 5K Run/Walk on June 1. The starter’s pistol will be fired at 9 a.m. to begin the race. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. and pre- registration is encouraged. The start and finish line will be at Centennial Park in Paden City. The park, a commemorative site constructed in 2003 to mark the city’s 100th birthday, is located on Main Street and Third Avenue. Entry fee is only $10.

Race Organizer Rodney McWilliams stated, “We want to keep the fee as low as possible to encourage runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels to participate. This race benefits everyone in Paden City and our area. This is a competitive race and also a recreational run/walk. There will be serious runners and race-walkers entered and also many who are trying their first 5K run/walk and enter to get some exercise and help a worthy organization.”

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Paden City Foundation Scholarship Program, the Paden City Museum, and the Cornerstone Project Committee. The Men’s Champion-Run in 2012 was local runner Aaron Estep of Sistersville (17:19.87) and the Women’s Champion-Run was Marlee Stollar of Marietta, Ohio (24:00.06). The walk champions were Gary Bennett of Moundsville (31:23.79) and Linda Eagle of Sistersville (34:35.49). The youngest participant in 2012 was John Mace (age two) and the most mature entrant was Paul Thomas of Sistersville who won first place walk in the 70-78 year old division.

The course is 100 percent paved and 90 percent flat; it will be an easy, fast course. The route will involve Third Avenue from Main to Stephen streets, Stephen Street from Third Avenue to Second Avenue, Second Avenue north to the Paden City Elementary School, and return to Main Street, Main Street from Second Avenue to the City Park. The route will then travel through the City Park using the walking trail around to the boat launch area, and return to the park entrance, up Main Street to Second Avenue, Second Avenue to Park Street, Park Street to Third Avenue, and then finish up Third Avenue from Park to Main Street (Centennial Park).

There will be race volunteers and monitors at most every intersection to ensure the safety of the runners and walkers and keep automobile traffic in check. The race volunteers will be wearing reflective vests and will be authorized to slow or stop traffic when runners and walkers are near. The streets will remain open but traffic will be limited. “We are encouraging everyone to obey the race monitors and drive slowly, but if possible, refrain from using the streets on the race route from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on June 1.”, said McWilliams. Third Avenue at Centennial Park will be completely closed from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. to allow for all participants to finish the race safely and to accommodate the awards ceremony after the race. The Paden City Police Department will be escorting the runners/walkers and making several laps through the race route area to ensure drivers comply. The Wetzel County Ambulance Service will provide a unit for any medical emergencies.

T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 100 paid entrants. “We will get shirts for everyone who is in the race. We plan to have at least 100 on hand but if the pre-registration looks stronger, we will have more shirts on hand on race day. Of course, we will get additional shirts, if needed,” noted McWilliams. The awards include men’s and women’s champion awards for both run and walk divisions, along with runner-up and third place overall winners in both divisions. There will also be medals awarded to the top three finishers in each age division, both men and women for run and walk.

Sponsors for this year’s event include: WesBanco, Paden City; The Paden City Foundation; the Paden City Museum and Culture Center; Healthy Alliance, Columbus; Litman Enterprises; TME, Lights Your Way; RAM Financial Services; D&D Trophies and Tees; and Quinet’s Catering and Restaurant.

Official timing for the race will be handled by the River City Runners and Walkers Club of Parkersburg.

There will be a couple of special presentations just prior to the start of the race. At approximately, 8:45 a.m., a blessing will be offered for all the runners and walkers followed by a flag-raising by the American Legion Post 86 of Paden City and recognition of corporate sponsors and volunteers.

Entry forms for the Foundation 5K can be obtained at WesBanco in Paden City, the Paden City Public Library, the Paden City Museum, Convenient Food Mart, Quinet’s Catering and Restaurant in New Martinsville, and many other locations in the area including Momentive in Friendly and Ormet in Hannibal.

The website, rivercityrunners.com also has a downloadable application (clicking on the Calendar and Events tab, 2013 Race Calendar) or you can email trumpet198401@gmail.com or phone 304-482-9684 or 304-337-9102.