While Lawrence Township rallied more student runners, the Geist Half Marathon & 5K would not have happened without the support of Hamilton Southeastern Schools and their many volunteers.
Dave Ayers of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation (HSEF) coordinated use of HSE facilities, along with 32 buses and drivers for shuttling runners and spectators to and from the start and finish lines. Ayers credits HSE Transportation Director Jim White and Charlie Hoover, the Assistant Principal at HSE High, for spearheading those efforts.
“They did an awesome job, and we are very proud of the results of their efforts,” Ayers said. “Even the drivers earned rave reviews from all 3,700 runners who showed up and rode a school bus.”
About 200 HSE students ran the 5K, with a large and enthusiastic group coming from Hoosier Road Elementary.
HSE Schools boasted a huge number of volunteers who served in a variety of ways, including 43 HSE High students, nine HSE Foundation board members and five teachers who worked either at the package pick up, the start line or the finish line. Even Sandra Hollingshead, HSE’s interim superintendent, volunteered on race day.
“We will use our share of race proceeds to promote health, wellness and fitness initiatives like teacher grants in this area, and possibly consider scholarship help for graduating seniors pursuing higher education in these areas,” Ayers said.
What a great community effort!
