Mother’s Day 5K to honor loved-ones

The run/walk will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 14, at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum in Middletown.

The 5K (3.1 miles) course is flat, on paved trails, through the historic cemetery and arboretum, which is more than 100 years old. Shorter course loops will also be marked for recreational walkers, who don’t want to complete the 5K distance.

Participants who walk in memory of a loved one can have a special memory sign made that will be placed along the walk/run route. The name of a loved one or a special message can be put on a sign, which may be taken home after the event. The deadline to pre-register/order a sign is Monday, May 1. In 2016, there were over 250 signs placed along the race route.

Participating mothers will receive a special gift. Last year, 144 race runners participated, along with 218 walkers, and 250 un-timed recreational walkers. In all, more than 600 participated last year. The first race in 2009 drew about 120 participants.

Net proceeds from the event are used to help fund the “Wish for a Day” program for hospice patients and other hospice care needs.

Hospice Care of Middletown is located at 3909 Central Ave.

How to go

What: Eighth annual Mother’s Day 5K Run & Walk

Where: Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum, 1401 Woodside Blvd., Middletown (located at the intersection of Ohio 4 and 14th Avenue). Parking will be available across Ohio 4 at Rosa Parks Elementary School and Barnitz Stadium.

When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 14. Check-in and race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Cost: Pre-registration $15 (plus the cost of a T-shirt); race-day rate $17 (plus the cost of a shirt, while supplies last.) No registration fee for children ages 5 and younger. T-shirt option prices are $5 for a cotton T-shirt (unisex); $7 Performance T-shirt (men’s and women’s styles.) First 150 registered will receive a goody bag. Corporate and civic group discounts available by contacting Judy Vincent at 513-594-9714.

More info: www.runwalkjog.com/hospice or call 513-594-9714