Game Day 5K to kickoff October 6 weekend United Way, Jerome Village partner for OSU football-themed race For Immediate Release 18 September 2007

O-H! I-O! U-W! 5-K! Mixing the area’s passion for Ohio State football with a 5K run, United Way of Union County organizers have come up with a unique fundraiser they hope kicks off a new fall tradition. The Game Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun-Run Presented by Jerome Village will take place on Saturday October 6 at Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Jerome Township. The family-friendly event will combine the best of a Saturday morning tailgate party with the elements of a first-class 5K event. While runners are registering and warming up, the OSU Alumni Band will perform a pre-race concert to pump up the athletes just like they rev up the football Buckeyes. After the race, they can relax and refuel with a tailgate breakfast catered by Der Dutchman. In addition to cash prizes and medals for top participants, all who finish the run will be entered into a drawing for tickets to the Ohio State-Kent State football game. “When we started planning this three months ago, we surveyed area runners about what makes a great 5K event and they all said we needed to have a unique theme,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way’s Campaign & PR Director. “None of them had ever been to a football-themed 5K. I guess you can say that we took the ball and ran with it.” As suggested by the event logo that includes a runner wearing a football helmet, runners are encouraged to show their school spirit when arriving for the event. The best-dressed entrants will win OSU tailgate gear. “Even if you aren’t a runner, you can come out and walk with your family, take in the pep rally, and enjoy a breakfast,” Bezusko said. “The Buckeyes play at Purdue at night that week, so you won’t miss a play. And you might walk away with tickets to the Bucks next game.” Bezusko encourages participants to pre-register online as the first 300 who sign up will receive a free long-sleeve t-shirt. Game Day registration and check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. The pre-race concert begins at 8:30. The 5K kicks off at 9:00. Premier Sports will conduct and time the race, which will run along a paved, loop course at Glacier Ridge Metro Park. Registration fees are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-Mile Fun-Run. The event will supplement the United Way’s annual campaign for programming and services in Union County. United Way has recruited a great team of sponsors to support the event, including Jerome Village, which signed on as the presenting sponsor. Jerome Village is a new village-style community that will offer 2,200 diverse new homes near Dublin seamlessly interwoven with a thriving town center, civic buildings, schools, and dedicated recreation facilities. Visit www.jeromevillage.com for more information. Additional event sponsors include: Der Dutchman, eMarysville.com, and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company as 1/2 K sponsors; Town Money Saver as the Media Sponsor; and t-shirt sponsors Buckeye Sports & Family Chiropractic, Citizens Bank, Good as Gold Promotions, Interim Health Care, Jerome Township Fire Department, S&G Rental, and Union Rural Electric. For more information about the Game Day 5K Presented by Jerome Village, please contact Dave Bezusko, Campaign & PR Director of United Way of Union County, at (937) 644-8381 or uwuc.dave@rrohio.com. WHO: United Way of Union County and Jerome Village WHAT: Game Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun-Run. An OSU football-themed 5K WHERE: Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., Plain City, Ohio, 43064 WHEN: Saturday October 6. Pre-race concert at 8:30 a.m. Race at 9:00 a.m. Presenting Sponsor Media Sponsor 1/2 K Sponsors Get information on becoming a sponsor. T-Shirt Sponsors Get information on becoming a sponsor.