Go OTR Run/Walk

A nothing really special about it 5K. If you wanted to find a relatively cheap 5k to run that gets you a free t-​shirt, this is it. You run through OTR, which is at times beautiful and others not so much. This year the race was scheduled on a City Flea day, so there were plenty of vendors and food options after the race, but no free food or drink.
One warning to novice 5K runners. This race is just a couple weekends after the Flying Pig Marathon. So, every marathoner is going to come out and kick your butt because they are in peak shape.
This is a great race because it supports our wonderful OTR neighborhood, but unless I was just looking for a workout, I doubt I’ll do the race again.

This was my first year with this race. I’ll definitely be back. On the whole it was a TOTAL win in OTR goodness, City Flea originals, good food galore, oh… and we did run. So you know… good for the mind and body, too.
The run was a little bit of a challenge for me, I’ll be honest. It was a warm day and while I used to be a runner, to call myself that now is, well, not so accurate. I do run from time to time (months passing in between, for full disclosure), but in general– I’m in shape and I enjoy the environment of a fun run– so I signed myself up thinking, «3.1 miles, whatev». Reality was: ‘wow…that sure ain’t what it used to be’. Either way, I ran the whole thing at about a 10 minute pace. A win in my book at this point.
I was THRILLED at the 10 am start time (since I am also NOT a morning person) when I signed up. However, on this particular day, I wished our foray into the concrete jungle had started even an hour sooner. It. was. hot. Thank goodness for the friendly police on the backside of the course on Central Parkway who cheered me on, because right about there… I was nearly ready to throw in my (sweat soaked) towel/​t-​shirt.
The course started out with a bit of a hill on Liberty and headed to a much more flat, but ultimately exposed, 5 K, route. I did have fun despite this being the start to an epic day of sweating. There was a bit of construction and some running among the confused (?) car bound folks, but police and cones did a sufficient job marking the course.
My favorite moment was when my friend and I were looking for the starting line. There was a clear finish (with timing capabilities), but a confusing email about a ‘changed’ start the day before had me asking questions and generally being puzzled. Having never run this before, I thought we’d be by SCPA (per the email) but that didn’t look right either. We asked a man with a vest on, looking only mildly official, where to go. As he was placing two single cones between Taste of Belgium and Mica 12v, he matter of factly said, «The start is right here– can’t you tell» (seeing the humor in it, I think). He acted as if two cones (among hundreds) were the universal sign for a start. It was a funny moment and it turned out we were in just the right place. The pace, as a result of this spot, however, was not a good fit and I quickly backed off to be passed by trove of real/​current runners. C’est la vie. My only criticism of the day may be the contradicting email and some start line confusion. Otherwise, looked like smooth sailing to me!
Afterward there were bananas, granola bars, water, and Gatorade. Shade was elusive so we hid behind the Hudy wagon selling beer for a while. Shortly after recovering with as much water as I could get into me, I hit up Bakersfield and had a torta and margarita. There may be some contradiction in that sentence about my attempts at ‘recovery’ but if you’re willing to overlook those, I’ll pretend I never said anything…
Lunch and a run were only made better by a romp through the City Flea, a StreetPop, and a little music. Such a great day.
I will surely run this race next year (maybe get some practice in between Thanksgiving and May next year?) and hope the party and community atmosphere is just as exhilarating.
GoTR!

The O.T.R. RunWalk is located in Over The Rhine and is a great event for those who wish to be a part of the running scene without having to go all out. This event allows for people to run with children in strollers and dogs as well. People running with their dogs in the race, is the best part in my opinion. The race itself last about 30 minutes with plenty of activates to do after. They offer free food and water for runners after the race along with a cool shirt. I personal did not run in the race this year but my girlfriend did and she said it was fun, so I’ll take her word for it. I, on the other hand, enjoyed some local Hudi beer while checking out the market and live band setup at the starting line. Parking for the event was only $ 2 in the garage located near the starting line. Overall the event was fun for all and I’m looking forward to it next year.

5 stars for the party/​atmosphere, but only 3 for the race itself… Ok the last quarter to a half mile or so.
I loved that this race encourages walkers, and dogs, and strollers. I mean what other races out there do that?! Personally I think its kinda neat. The setup, and packet pickup before race day is great and easy. Race day itself… could use a little work.
Just a few volunteers making sure things work is all it needs. The last leg of the race comes back through the party… which is awesome if you’re at the front… if you’re a slow runner or a walker, everyone’s forgotten about you. People spill into the pass over area on Vine where the start line was. Theres no markings telling you where turn (we found out we went a block out of the way, along with about 7 other people) and they have some nice roped off areas after the finish line, but I personally think they should extend that down the whole block as people browsing at the tents just seemed to forget there are slower people out there.
ok those are my gripes. And maybe section people at the beginning runners, runners with dogs/​strollers and then walkers. it might not be such a clusterfuck then. But enough of that. Everyone gets a t-​shirt. score!, and «medals» are awesome Rookwood pieces, which i guess I kinda understand not everyone getting. but still. The party afterward is great. There are jazz bands, brass sections, local artists, and just a whole lot of mingling. It’s a great block party in which everyone can just hangout, browse some shops, and locals can throw their wares out. Its honestly a great time, just could use a little more organization I think.

Although I didn’t run the race this year, I did come down after for the Summer Celebration! I love that they are having these events in OTR and showcasing how great the area is and not as scary/​bad/​intimidating as most folks think!
With all the artists, food vendors, live music, kids activities, fitness gurus, charities, local businesses, bars and beer all right in one big block party, there was plenty to do and you could easily stay entertained all day!
It was also a great opportunity to hop into all the new stores, restaurants, and bars!
Tons of my fav’s from Findlay Market and downtown were there too. Taste of Belgium, Dojo Gelato, Taco Azul, Joe’s, plus many vegan options, and all the Hudy Delight you can hold made this an awesome way to spend a Saturday with new and old friends!

This is my 2^nd favorite 5K in the area (#1 will always be Reggae Run). With the exception of Liberty Street, the course is relatively flat so I definitely recommend it to those just starting off with running/​walking distance races. I’ve participated in this race twice and both times I set a personal best.
The street fair afterward is absolutely fantastic. The location can’t be beat — shops, restaurants, bars, and the Queen CIty Underground Tour starting point are all in the neighborhood, so you can honestly spend the whole day around this event when you’re done with the race. Live music, local food trucks, local vendors, local beer, activities for kids, supporting the betterment of the community… you really can’t ask for more!

This day of enjoyment in Over-​the-​Rhine feature many activities including a 5K run (or walk). It’s located in what is now being called the Gateway Quarter centering around Vine and Main streets downtown north of Central Parkway.
This event is a great way to see the renaissance that is happening in Cincinnati’s most beautiful neighborhood. People are moving downtown, shops and coffee shops, theaters, festivals. It’s really happening!
The race benefits the Over-​the-​Rhine chamber of commerce. Mayor Mark Mallory will start the race at around 10am and will also apparently be declaring it, «Live, shop, & play in the gateway quarter day»! The awards for the race I hear were designed by Rookwood Pottery! I can’t wait! See you on the 31^st!