The Shawshank Hustle, a 7K race open to runners and walkers, returns for a second year in Mansfield, Ohio on Saturday, June 11, 2016. The event takes place at the famous Ohio State Reformatory and commemorates the film “The Shawshank Redemption,” which was filmed at the location. Be sure to register soon! The Shawshank Hustle proved to be a major success last year with the event selling out its limit of 3,000 participants extremely quickly. Registration opened on January 1, and already has participants from 14 different states committed to the event. The Shawshank Hustle brings many visitors to our area and is a welcome opportunity for businesses looking for exposure.
The Shawshank Hustle offers many events centered around “The Shawshank Redemption,” including two showings of the film at the Ohio State Reformatory, the Shawshank Prison bus, numerous filming locations on the run/walk trail, and actor appearances from the film. Participants can even tour The Reformatory for free and recapture all of your favorite “Shawshank” moments. As participants begin the race, they will pass multiple filming locations, including the Bissman Building, Carrousel Antiques and Brooks’ Bench in Mansfield’s Central Park. There will even be an official after-party held at Phoenix Brewing Company.
Race participants will receive a finisher medal, event number, commemorative Saucony event shirt, actor autographs, chip timing, chances at custom awards, on course and post-race snacks, a tour of the Ohio State Reformatory, and a free ride on the Richland Carrousel.
“The Shawshank Hustle proved to be a great success last year, and we are excited that it is becoming an annual event,” said Jodie Snavely, Mansfield/Richland County CVB Group Tour/Media Director. “The Hustle opens up a great deal of opportunity for our local businesses, namely restaurants, hotels, and local shops. We would love nothing more than to show visitors that Mansfield, Ohio is a wonderful place to be and to have them come back and bring their family and friends. The formation of The Shawshank Trail will aid in that goal. We are extremely grateful to have a well-known venue like the Ohio State Reformatory to be a draw for tourists and locals alike.”
Not participating in the race? Cheer for the racers on streets along the route! Make a sign to motivate them as they run/walk 4.4 miles to cross the finish line at the Ohio State Reformatory. Get loud with a souvenir cow bell as you cheer on participants as they pass! You can pick up your cow bell at the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau during business hours, Monday-Friday.
In addition to local businesses getting involved with The Shawshank Hustle, The Mansfield CVB will have a table set up. They will be handing out Visitor’s Guides, Shawshank Trail brochures, area maps, and more. They will also provide participants with information about local businesses and events.
Registration for the Shawshank Hustle is sure to fill up quickly, so make sure that you don’t miss out on all of the exciting activities! To register, visit the Shawshank Hustle site. If you’re not a racer and a fan of “The Shawshank Redemption,” Shawshank Trail is a way to experience the film in an entirely new way by offering the opportunity to visit 14 filming locations from the movie. Want to know more about the Shawshank Trail? Visit the newly updated site at ShawshankTrail.com!