More than 230 runners, 47 sponsors, and 60 volunteers meant a lot of fun on August 18 -- and a lot of money for College Hill.

Last Tuesday night, College Hill Forum president Elizabeth Sherwood presented a check for $18,500, the proceeds of the 2007 Rhythm Race, to Bob Ludwig, president of College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC). It was the fourth year for the 5K run held by the Forum, our community council.

"The success of the Rhythm Race over the past four years speaks volumes about the way our community works together for College Hill," says Sherwood. "No other neighborhood event can match the generosity and commitment of our businesses and sponsors - or the energy and enthusiasm of our residents and volunteers."

The money goes directly to neighborhood economic development initiatives, and is part of nearly $60,000 the Rhythm Race has raised for College Hill since its inception.

"The Rhythm Race helps us all attain our mutual goal: economic development for College Hill," says Ludwig. "CHCURC appreciates all four years of donations."

 

 

 

This year College Hill made local, state, and national news when Mayor Mark Mallory decided to use a whistle rather than a pistol to start the 2007 Rhythm Race.

TV cameras covered the start as 232 runners and walkers ran, walked, pushed strollers and accompanied various four-footed friends through the historic, tree-lined streets. Several City Council candidates know a good neighborhood when they see it and joined in the festivities!

All photos by Ken Lyon and Becky Tossey. To see more great photos of the race and party, click here.


At the post-race Celebration Party at Pleasant Hill Academy, attendees enjoyed great food (including perennial local favorites, LaRosa's and Bacall's) and cold beverages, music by College Hill resident and DJ Butch Gibson, children's activities, and lots of fun with friends, families and neighbors.

The Rhythm Race is College Hill's biggest community event. College Hill Forum president Elizabeth Sherwood credits an impressive lineup of generous sponsors, a dedicated organizing committee, enthusiastic volunteers and the College Hill community's ongoing and outstanding support for the event's success.

PNC Bank returned for the third year as title sponsor. Other major sponsors were Mercy Hospital-Mt. Airy as Celebration Party sponsor and Children's Hospital-College Hill as entertainment sponsor.

Forty-three more sponsors, including individuals and families, helped make this year's race and party bigger and better than ever. THANKS to all listed below!

 

 

• Bacalls Café
• The Encampment Church College Hill
• College Hill Coffee Co. and Casual Gourmet
• St. Theresa's Textile Trove
• LaRosa's College Hill
• Llanfair Retirement Community
• Hodapp Funeral Home
• Fleet Feet Sports
• Comey & Shepherd/Melanie Jackson
• Twin Towers Senior Living Community
• CincyUpdate.com

Silver Sponsors

• College Hill Business Association (CHBA)
• Midwest Grip and Lighting
• Financial Interest Limited Partnership, LLC
• Core Behavioral Health Centers
• Lord's Bounty
• Al. Neyer, Inc.
• JTM Foods
• Schuermann Landscaping

Bronze Sponsors

• Elizabeth Sherwood, Attorney at Law
• College Hill Investment Collaborative (CHIC)
• Schwartz Jewelers
• Hop House
• Weston Insurance Agency
• First United Church of Christ
• Belmont Apartments
• John Rose, Attorney at Law
• Savannah Gardens/Linda Fox/LJF Management
• Karen F. Dudley
• College Hill Gardeners - CHG
• Phyllis Slusher
• Juanita Canfield, Quilter
• Historic Laurel Court
• American Heritage Flooring

Here are the standings for the main races. To see all times, age groups, and names, click here.


Top 3 Male Runners: Kyle Lang (15:55), Patrick Harvey (16:20), Ricky Lupp (16:40)
 
Top 3 Female Runners: Rachel Stoehr (18:39), Gay Hammon (19:35), Stephanie Carraher (22:19)
 
Top 3 Male Walkers: Leonard Webb (38:40), Henry Meele (41:42), Bob Ebbeler (41:55)



Top 3 Female Walkers: Carrie Bertschy (38:43), Lisa Huey (38:58, Michele Ciaccio (39:56)

What makes the Rhythm Race such a success? According to Race Coordinator Kathryn Kien, it's College Hill.

"The race course winds down beautiful tree lined streets with few hills, which make it appealing to all abilities," she said. "The best part is that every year the number of race participants and neighbors lining the streets to cheer them on grows."

But volunteers are also a big part of what makes the race "run." More than 60 volunteers helped out this year, under the leadership of the 2007 Rhythm Race Commitee:

• Kathryn Kien - race, runners, results
• Tracy Wilson -- entertainment
• Elaine Ludwig -- finances
• Becky Tossey -- sponsorships
• Jen Schuermann -- sponsorships
• Juanita Canfield - celebration party
• Elizabeth Sherwood - celebration party
• Phyllis Slusher - celebration party
• Anita Triggs -- volunteers

Would you like to help out next year? It's not too soon to sign up! Email Phyllis Slusher and she will set you up!