Brice Lawrence

    There are lots of ways to stay in shape during the off-season, or get in shape to be healthy. Training for and running in a 5K are great ways to do this. Running in the cold might not sound tempting, but these two area 5Ks offer quite the adventure.

        HYL will host it's annual 5K Pumpkin Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. The race is held at Riverside Park. Race registration costs $25. Runners can register on the day of the race at 8 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m.

        Prizes are for the top male and female overall, and top male and female in each of the following age groups: U-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. One fun aspect of the race is Catch the Pumpkin; if the runner catches the pumpkin runner, the runner's entry fee would be refunded. The money raised from the race benefits the HYL, developing leaders around the community.

        The boys' soccer team will also host their own After the PKs 5K which also costs $25. A new addition to the race is a 10k Trail Run through the Van Buren State Park. The normal 5K road race is still available, and the team has hired a timing group from Findlay for the runners’ official times.  Prizes for this race will go to the top male and female runners in the following age categories: U-9, 10-12, 13-19, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60+. A large portion of the money raised from this race benefits at least one of the boys’ senior soccer players with a scholarship. The remaining money goes to the boys soccer team and helps them buy equipment for their program.