RoxEl Run set for May 20

Tyler Bain, 11, running to the finish line in last year's race. 

“I can’t wait for the race this year,” said 11-year-old Tyler Bain, a Roxboro Elementary School fifth-grader. “Last year l won my age group in the 4-mile race, but this year I want to finish in the top three overall and win a big trophy!”

The race is the RoxEl Run, an annual fun-filled community and inter-generational family event, benefiting Roxboro Elementary School. This year, it will take place on Saturday, May 20, beginning at 9 a.m. The race starts at the Roxboro Middle School track, 2400 Roxboro Road, and loops through the Cleveland Heights neighborhoods surrounding the school.

More than 350 participants are expected at this year’s event, which features 4-mile and 2-mile runs, or a 2-mile walk, which begins shortly after the run start time and follows the same route. The Kid’s Fun Run, for the youngest elementary school-age children, begins at 10 a.m. and takes place inside the middle school track.

Last year’s event drew 300 participants and raised more than $2,000. 

Roxboro Elementary School PTA members and volunteers organize the RoxEl Run. Its tagline, Run Like It’s Recess, encourages children to learn healthy habits and make physical fitness a regular part of their lifestyle.

“This event brings kids, parents and teachers together, outside of the classroom,” said Roxanne Bain, RoxEl Run co-chair and a PTA member. “Kids run alongside their teachers while parents push their younger kids in strollers. This act of coming together creates inspiration for the children, especially when their role models are running right along with them. Plus, it’s just plain fun.”

Roxboro's PTA established a Run Club for Roxboro students in third- through fifth-grades. Participants train after school on Wednesday afternoons for an eight-week period leading up to the event. Bain, a marathon runner, coaches the children, along with other volunteers, helping them develop good running technique and build endurance for the race.

After the race, runners, families and community members can enjoy healthy snacks and refreshments, games, face painting and a DJ inside the track. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs.

The event is made possible through the support of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; Betsy Warner, State Farm Insurance; Bruegger’s Bagels; Luna Bakery and Café; James Costello; EastSide Landscaping; Family Connections and more.

For full event and prize details, including registration and course information, visit https://runsignup.com or contact the event co-chairs Roxanne Bain, at roxannebain@gmail.com, or Gillian Cox, at gegrim@yahoo.com. Registration is open. Join the event and follow updates on Facebook. 

Roxanne Bain

Christina D'Angelis is public relations director for the RoxEl Run.

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 10:37 AM, 05.03.2017