This article was originally published in the May 13th edition of the Herald Dispatch, www.herald-dispatch.com. It is part of a series of weekly articles featuring projects and activities of the Create Huntington Chat ‘n Chews.

Early this year, a group of volunteers attended a Chat ‘n Chew seeking support to bring a USA Track and Field 5K race to Huntington. At the Chat ‘n Chew, they networked with other community-minded volunteers and brainstormed ideas to promote the event and to secure sponsorships.

Their bold vision was to:

1.       Provide a competitive and successful race in Huntington, WV

2.       Showcase the City to people from around the area

3.       Provide athletes and spectators with a professionally planned and executed event

4.       Promote and highlight running as a life sport

5.       Generate excitement and enthusiasm in the community for fitness as a lifestyle

Months of hard work is paying off and the West Virginia 5K Championship, presented by The Herald Dispatch, is fast approaching. On June 6^th, Huntington will host runners from across the region in an exciting USATF-Certified race.

As race day approaches, organizers of the event are seeking 50 volunteers to help in a variety of ways. Volunteers are needed to assist at the start/finish line and at various points along the course, pass out water bottles, welcome out-of-town guests, etc. All volunteers will receive a free race t-shirt.

They also encourage area residents of all skill levels to participate in the race. There are divisions for age groups from 10 to 65+, as well as divisions for participants needing wheelchairs and for those with strollers. There is also a Cup Competition for teams, including the Uniform Cup for men and women in uniform, the Corporate Cup for businesses, the Road Runner’s Club Cub for members of the organization, and the Prayer Cup for religions groups.

Registration for the WV 5K Championship is $15 (by May 31^st) and $25 (after May 31^st and on race day). All registrants will receive a free race t-shirt and may enjoy a free pasta dinner on June 5^th at Frankie D’s Italian Chophouse. Runners are also eligible for a host of prizes. For information about the race, to volunteer, or to register, go to www.tristateracer.com/wv5k.  All proceeds from the race will benefit the United Way of the River Cities.

This event also serves as a great example for how groups and individuals can use the Create Huntington Chat ‘n Chew to help bring their vision to reality. Pat Riley and other organizers had a clear vision for what they hoped to accomplish. They were willing to put in the time and energy necessary and were eager to seek support and advice from others. At the Chat ‘n Chew, they “plugged-in” to people who were happy to assist them.

Everyone is invited to bring their ideas, projects, and enthusiasm to the weekly Create Huntington Chat ‘n Chew, held every Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the lobby of the Frederick Building. For more information about Create Huntington, see the firm’s website at www.createhuntington.com.