Dashing Through the Snow

Ohio winters are fun for those who like snow, blustery winds, and gray skies. As a runner, I've chosen to spend most of my winter training time on a dry treadmill in a warm, artificially lit room.

There's one running event each year, however, which is heartwarming enough to convince even me to hit the icy streets: The Rainbow Fun Run in Cleveland Heights.

This 5K/10K event benefits Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital in Cleveland. Because it's a 'fun run' no times are taken. Because it's a 'fun run' for a great cause, some of the nicest people in the world run and volunteer in the event. Because it's fun, cold, and after all, a jingle bell run, the race draws a few special guests ...

I have run next to Santa Claus, his elves, and reindeer; I've lumbered along (and even passed!) a runner in a full snowman suit. Thanks to the folks wearing funny costumes and -of course- jingle bells, and the reason we're running, the streets seem to warm and soften just a bit as we pound our way down Murray Hill in Cleveland's "Little Italy" neighborhood. Most runners carry a stuffed animal or two, to leave as a donation at the hospital's atrium. Then, we turn around and run (OK, some of us WALK) back, up Murray Hill. Yes, it's a lot steeper on the way up. We survive.

If you live in the Cleveland area, I encourage you to run, walk, or volunteer in this annual event. Or look into a similar one in your community (Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati all offer "Jingle Bell" runs in December).

Akron - Jingle Bell 5K Run for Arthritis, Saturday December 2. Call 800-342-0746 for more info. Cleveland - Jingle Bell Run, Metroparks Zoo, Sunday December 3. Call 216-623-9933 to find out more. Cleveland Hts - Rainbow Fun Run, 5K/10K , Saturday December 17. Call 440-543-2020 for details.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic