Events
Description
Join Us!
Take part in this 2nd annual event and join us on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Three Creeks Metro Park in southeast Columbus. There are distance options for beginner and experienced participants. You can choose from a 5K (3.1 miles), 15K individual (9.3 miles), or our 15K Relay (teams of three where each team member does 3.1 miles).
New in 2024 is the addition of the following event options: 15K Youth Relay (in addition to the open and law enforcement relay options for the 15K distance), and virtual options for the 5K and 15K.
About Running Against ALS
Running Against ALS was initially set up to benefit Officer Steve Asch. Steve was diagnosed with ALS on February 14, 2022. It’s a day his family and friends will never forget.
Steve Asch was devoted to his family and a dedicated Columbus police officer who served the citizens of Columbus for 15 years. Whether it was making a difference on the job or assisting a friend, Steve jumped in with a smile. Throughout Steve’s career, he received five lifesaving awards. Steve loved his job and relished meeting and serving the residents of Columbus. Running Against ALS was set up to benefit Steve and now, in his memory, it will continue to benefit others with an ALS diagnosis. As a promise to Steve, this race will continue to bring awareness and assistance to those fighting ALS.
New this year, we will be donating half of the proceeds to ALS United Ohio’s grant program. ALS United Ohio’s mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for people with ALS and their families while advancing research for new treatments and an end to ALS. They provide no-cost services to those around Ohio with ALS including but not limited to, support groups, durable medical equipment loans, hands-free home programs, one-on-one case management, and a grant program to help cover costs associated with a diagnosis of ALS.
Words from Race Director Officer Erica Gutierrez
I remember the first day I asked Steve for permission to put this race on to benefit him, and in his honor in the future. He smiled at me and said, "Yes. If you’re putting it on, I will be there." I know Steve will be there, if not physically, in the hearts of those he has touched. My words to him when I visit before I leave, you will never be forgotten.
It is an honor to have Steve as my friend!
Our 2024-27 medal series
Starting with our 2024 race, we are taking each year's medal (which are all awesome) and giving you the opportunity to combine them into one super medal. Make Running Against ALS a part of your summer racing schedule and complete the series!
Meet Our 2024 Recipient
We are pleased to introduce everyone to the 2024 beneficiary of the Running Against ALS event, Terry Trost. In 2024, half of the proceeds to ALS United Ohio’s grant program and half will go to help Terry in his battle.
Terry has dedicated his professional life to public service. He started at the age of 14 as a member of the Evendale Fire Department’s Explorer post. In 1978, he completed his EMT training and basic firefighter training, eventually joining the Blue Ash Fire Department where he served until 1991. He entered basic police officer training at Scarlet Oaks JVS under the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, graduating in 1983. At the end of 1983, Terry was appointed as a full-time Police Officer with the Miami Township Police Department where he worked until his retirement in 2009.
Terry met his lovely wife Rosa in April 2009, and they married in 2011. In 2019, Terry began experiencing symptoms of ALS. After undergoing numerous tests, Terry received a correct diagnosis of ALS in October 2022. Today living with ALS is like navigating a winding road with unexpected twists and turns. It’s a journey that presents both physical challenges and emotional hurdles. Imagine waking up each day knowing that your body is slowly losing its ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe on its own. We have learned that living with ALS is a test of courage, patience, and perseverance. It’s about acknowledging the difficult moments but choosing to focus on the moments of light and hope that shine through the darkness. It’s a journey that requires strength, support, and a positive mindset to navigate the highs and lows with grace and dignity.
To read all of Terry's story, please click here.
Additional Event Information
Early Packet Pickup
Save time in line on race morning and get your gear early by visiting Columbus Running Company's Pickerington location (1250 Hill Rd N Pickerington OH 43147) on Friday, June 7 (10a-8p), or Saturday, June 8 (10a-6p). Visit with the running and walking experts at CRC, and maybe pick up a new pair of socks to keep your feet cool and dry on race day! Race day pickup will be at the shelter near the start line starting at 630a.
Parking
This race starts and finishes at the Three Creeks Metro Park shelter in the Confluence Trails Area. Plug 3860 Bixby Rd into your GPS, and follow the park entrance road all the way back to the parking areas near the shelter. There are two lots. Please follow the parking instructions of all park rangers or volunteers. Due to the limited number of parking spots in this area, we strongly recommend carpooling!
Race Day Timeline
- 630a - Race day check-in begins - there is no race day registration
- 750a - participants line up for final announcements
- 800a - The Running Against ALS 5K & 15K events are underway!
- 900a - 5K Run/Walk awards presentation
- 1000a - 15K and 15K Relay awards presentation
15K Relay Details
If you are taking part in the 15K Relay, there are a few simple rules that you should know:
- You must have a team of three participants. There are no gender/age requirements within the open teams (youth teams must have all members be aged 18 or younger on race day), only that you have three runners. Any teams on race day without three participants will be offered to combine with other teams to field a complete team or will be transferred to the 5K.
- Team members must complete their 5K segments consecutively. Runner 1 will hand off to Runner 2 will hand off to Runner 3. Your team cannot have all members running at the same time.
- The first registrant for each team creates the team, and team members can join once that initial registration is complete. Please check to be sure that your team has not already been created before registering so there aren't multiple teams that need to be combined later.
Need help with teams?
- If you have questions about creating a new team, click here.
- If you have questions about joining an existing team, click here.
- If you are the team captain (first registrant on the team) and have questions about managing your team, click here.
If your question is not answered in the above help topics, please use the Questions button below.
Awards
There will be medals for all finishers in each event, and awards for the top overall finishers in each event as detailed here:
- 5K Run/Walk: top three male and female overall finishers, and the top male and female finishers in the following age group categories: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Over.
- 15K Run/Walk: top three male and female overall finishers, and the top male and female finishers in the following age group categories: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Over.
- 15K Relay (Law Enforcement Challenge): top three teams overall
- 15K Relay (Open Teams): top male, top female, and top co-ed teams
- 15K Relay (Youth Teams): top three teams overall
Please note: for the 15K Relay, your team's status with respect to Law Enforcement Challenge, Open Team, or Youth Team is determined by your team captain's answer to that question during the creation of the team. If you have questions or concerns about your team's Relay Team designation, please contact Andy Harris at the Columbus Running Company: aharris@columbusrunning.com
Social Media
Connect with the race on Facebook and Instagram!
Course Maps
We have course maps for all three events.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Place
Groveport, OH US 43125
Directions
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