By Chris Bavender
The 37th annual Hit-the-Bricks 5/3K Race/Walk, sponsored by the Zionsville Optimist Club, is set for Oct. 5 at Zionsville Community High School, 1000 Mulberry St.
“We’re at a new record this year with over $20,000 being raised from Hit-the-Bricks from a steadfast group of volunteers and generous community support,” event chair Tim Ottinger said. “The funds are raised here and stay here. Hit-the-Bricks always funds more than half of our yearly budget.”
Hit-the-Bricks started after former ZOC charter member Ross Hubbard, a former Zionsville teacher, shared an idea with his running buddy and former classmate, Dr. Jim Haines of Zionsville Eyecare, of creating a charity running event to serve as a fundraiser for the then-newly formed Zionsville Optimist Club.
The event name is derived from the bricks on Main Street in the heart of the Village.
Last year was the first time for the 3K event.
“We had a modest group, but we found there certainly is a group who prefers to walk a shorter distance and just enjoy an early autumn stroll in Indiana and for a good cause,” Ottinger said. “We have so many kids participate via elementary school running clubs. Working towards the race has encouraged many kids (and their parents) to go on and become serious runners, or at least incorporate a healthy lifestyle, which is just awesome.”
Money raised is used for a variety of ZOC sponsorships and programs, from the Lincoln Park Concert Series, Zionsville youth football, basketball and Little League, soccer, the Boys & Girls Club of Zionsville, the ZCHS After-Prom Event, third-grade history program at SullivanMunce, the Oratorical Contest, Christmas gifting to families in need and more.
For more or to register, visit zionsvilleoptimist.org or email [email protected]. Registration also is available at 7 a.m. the day of the event.
