“Will Run For Tacos.” You’ve probably seen that phrase printed on a shirt at the gym, but would you run a half marathon for a taco? The 13.1mile course may seem a bit far for some. For others, it may depend on the taco, but the Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER is about more than just delicious Mexican food.
The Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER Half Marathon draws attention to addiction and more importantly to drug prevention. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 8, 2018, in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. The day also offers a 5K run/walk and a Memory Mile for those not quite ready to train for a half marathon. While at the race, kids will find a bounce house and rock-climbing wall, and food trucks to keep you fueled.
Race Director Tim Hilterman started this journey while participating in the Richland County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Unlimited program. Through the program, he became more aware of both challenges and opportunities within the Mansfield-Richland area. One of those challenges affects communities across the country – the opioid epidemic – and people wanted to know what was being done about it. As Tim discovered, the community already has many great ideas and programs in place to help with drug prevention and recovery. To raise awareness and support for what was already in place here, Tim wanted to create a regionally recognized event that would bring positive attention to these organizations and would start conversations for drug prevention in the community.
The idea for the 13ER was born when Tim and his wife ran the Columbus Marathon. They were inspired by the way the entire community came together in support of a cause. For communities, drug addiction is a difficult issue to tackle. For one, there are no simple answers to fighting drugs and addiction, and for many people, the epidemic simply hasn’t had any personal effect on their lives. Tim didn’t want to see the community turn a blind eye to this unpleasant issue. He wanted a way for Mansfield and Richland County to come together in a visible way and a race seemed like the perfect avenue for such an event.
Tim describes the positive energy in Mansfield as a sort of renaissance, and he wants this event to fuel that energy. This event is about supporting people fighting the fight and those who support them, but it’s also about dreaming big. Sponsored by generous community-minded Spherion Mid Ohio, and key leader Jessica Hiser, this is the fourth year for the event and all proceeds will be entrusted to the Richland County Foundation. Over the first three years, the 13ER raised $75,000 for the Drug Prevention Coalition Grant. The Richland County Foundation will allocate the funds from this grant back to the community through groups and organizations participating in drug prevention.
The Spherion Mid Ohio 13ER Half Marathon and 5K Fun Run takes runners on a challenging, diverse course through Richland County. The 13ER team has put together an incredible course that takes runners from the city streets of downtown Mansfield, through quiet neighborhoods, along the scenic Richland B&O Bike Trail, and even near some famous filming sites from the locally-filmed movie The Shawshank Redemption. As a fun, well-attended race with incredible support all along the course, some runners have come all the way from California for this race. So, come claim your race taco!
Register now to run on Saturday, September 8. Use our discount code to receive 5% off your registration: 5%OFF13ER All runners will receive a race shirt, a finisher medal, and yes, a taco from Panchos Tacos.