BUCYRUS―Forty-seven years ago, George Guins of rural Galion founded the annual Brattie Run.
“I have been a runner all my life so it just seemed like the thing to do. At that time in 1973, we were the only race in Ohio. Now, there are 26 races in Ohio on the same weekend so the runners are spread out. Generally, runners only do one or two races in the same weekend,” Guins said.
Guins said the run has traditionally been five miles long but this year the route changes to a 5K instead.
“Many of the people who have been participating all of these years are getting older so we have changed the route to a 5K,” Guins said. “Some still like the five miles, though. At one time, we were the state champion five-mile race.”
This year’s runners and walkers will begin and end at Aumiller Park. The 5K race and walk will kick off at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday of the Bratwurst Festival, Aug. 17.
“We have added a Fun Run for children around the park. That will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 17,” said Guins. “We normally have about 120 participants which includes about 20 walkers. We have a different route for the walkers that is about three miles long.”
People can sign up until the race begins on Aug. 17. Entry forms are available at the Bucyrus and Galion YMCAs and on a sign in Guins’ front yard, located at 2018 Ohio 598, Galion, OH 44833.
“They can also contact me to mail them one,” said Guins. His email address is georgeguins#123@gmail.com.
The entry fee is $20 for the run and $10 for the walk. Guins said everyone that participates will receive a T-shirt for participating.
Money raised from the event is used to purchase the shirts and refreshments. Some of it is also used for the Galion High School Cross Country Team.
“They do the water stops for the race along with timing and other duties,” said Guins, who coaches the team.
Call 419-971-6842 or 419-512-5286 for further information and visit the event page on Facebook.