Heritage Run raises funds for Bay projects

Bride-to-be Nikki Smith and her bridesmaid-teammates Kasey Lasko, Michele Kensik, Katie Snyder, Carrie Knecht and Abby Miller turned the Heritage Run into a bachelorette party. Photo by Eileen Vernon

In its fourth year, the Village Foundation Heritage Run was held on Saturday, Oct. 19. More than 300 participants came out on a mild, cloudy day to run or walk the streets of Bay Village while raising money for the foundation. Mayor Debbie Sutherland rang the bell to kick off the race and she was on hand to give the awards at the end.

Looking at the crowd, Mayor Sutherland observed, “It is great to see so many runners of all ages come out for a good cause!” The participants ranged in age from one to 80 years old. 

While everyone had fun, none had more fun than the group calling themselves “Team Bride.” Bride-to-be Nikki Smith, of Elyria,  used the occasion as a bachelorette party celebrating her upcoming wedding on Nov. 9 to Brian Kensik.

Runners left Cahoon Memorial Park at the north end of Dover Center Road and ran south on Cahoon to Lincoln then west for 5K on a route that brought them back to Cahoon Park. Village Foundation trustees served as registrants and course marshals cheering the participants on all along the route.

The chairman for this event was trustee Tim Atkinson, who was happy with the turnout. While looking around the room, co-chair Steve Lee commented, “You can just feel the energy in this room.”

The Community House was really buzzing with activity. It was good to see the number of families that ran and walked together.

The committee, Tim Atkinson, Steve Lee, Tom Harkness, Steve Ruscher, Al Paulus, Kristen Baird Adams, Gary Hengelsberg and Beth Emery, planned the event. All funds go to support Bay Village activities through grants. The Village Foundation, serving the community for 18 years, is a  nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Bay Village, using the talents and resources of the private citizens and offering non-government funding for Bay Village endeavors.

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Volume 5, Issue 22, Posted 10:11 AM, 10.29.2013