By Heather Lusk
Hit the Bricks has always drawn participants of all ages, but this year organizers are expecting an influx of young runners. The Zionsville Optimist Club’s annual race will return for the 33rd consecutive year Oct. 3.
The 5K race is open to all ages, with 50 to 75 runners estimated to fit into the younger categories according to Paul Caltrider, past event chairman for the Optimist Club.
Trader’s Point Christian Academy created a running club this year with the intent to participate in the race. Parent and coach Rebecca Wood modeled it after a running club at Eagle Elementary. She expects that 31 kids from their club will run with their families.
“I felt if we started them earlier running that could boost our track and cross country team,” she said. “And this is a great way for kids to become more physically fit.”
As a side benefit Wood hopes to challenge kids to reach distance goals.
“Most of the kids have hit the 10K mark already,” she said.
The formerly five mile race was changed to a 5K last year. The popularity of shorter runs prompted the change.
Organizers are optimistic that nearly 300 people will register.
Fastest runners in each age bracket have traditionally been recognized, but with the increase in children participating an additional bracket for ages 10 to 14 was added, making the youngest bracket nine and younger. The oldest age bracket is 70-plus.
“Some families join and they’ll have their pets and their kids, and they just casually walk the 5K,” Optimist Club vice president Jerry Arthur said.
Arthur estimates they have raised half a million dollars during the history of the event.
“All of the benefits go to the Zionsville youth,” Arthur said. “It’s been traditionally our biggest event by far.”
The run/walk begins at the high school before heading through a nearby neighborhood to the Greenway Path before hitting Main Street. Then runners follow Mulberry Street back to the high school.
A discounted registration is available for school aged children and their families. Tuxedo Brothers, the local event management company, assists with registration, laying the course and time keeping. Registration is available at tuxbro.com
