*We are optimistic that this race will be in person.
WHEN: Saturday July 10th, 2021
TIME: 4 mile starts at 8:00 PM. 1 mile/ 800m starts at 7:45 PM. Registration begins at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Start by Historic Eggress Stadium, Van Wert, Ohio in Fountain Park. Finish in downtown Van Wert by the Town Creek Live Festival.
WHAT: (1) Tri-State Border Battle: A 4-mile race of post-collegiate training groups. Teams are to be comprised of not more than 6 individuals. The finish times of the top 4 runners on each team will be summed for a total team time. The men's and women's teams with the fastest team times will win some running gear swag and Great Lakes elite running team bragging rights. Contact team and elite athlete coordinator for entry details VanWert4Mile@gmail.com.
​(2) ​High School Mascot Dash: A great summer workout and time trial opportunity for high school teams, as well as their supporters including ​teammates family, friends, coaches, and alumni. See where you stack up with some of the best programs in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Please note your team affiliation on paper form or online registration. Parents and community members are welcome to join. (Email race director VanWert4mile@gmail.com for special group rates)
​On the registration form, individuals will be able to indicate a team or program with which they are affiliated. On race day, each high school team must select a team "mascot" runner who will run the 4 mile race (can be alumni, family member, coach, or community member). At the conclusion of the race, 10 seconds will be taken off of the mascot's final 4 mile time for every person finishing the 4 mile or 1 mile race who indicated they were affiliated with the mascot's team. For example, if a team mascot ran 20:00 for 4 miles and 30 individuals designated their affiliation to that team on their registration form, the mascots time would be 15:00 [20:00 – (30 people x 10 seconds per person)]. The team with the fastest mascot time will receive a minimum $250 donation toward their program. Any team with at least 15 individuals who designate they are affiliated with the team will also receive a donation to their program. Mascot's need not wear actual mascot attire; just designate that they are their team's mascot on the day of the race.
​(3) 1 Mile Fun Run​: Not ready to run or walk a ​4 mile quite yet​? That's okay! You can ​help out your team or program–or simply just contribute to your own healthy habits–by walking, jogging, or racing in the 1 mile race.
CHARITY: Proceeds to benefit local high school athletic programs and recreational development in Van Wert County
RACE INFORMATION: The flat, fast 4 mile course will start in beautiful downtown Van Wert in conjunction with the community's Town Creek Live Festival on a Saturday night. The course will meander down Walnut Street and turn around through residential neighborhoods. The mile course will run through downtown and finish in the historic stadium. Splits will be given at each mile. Water will be provided on the course. Elite athletes, post collegiate teams, high school teams and other notable guests will be announced.
AWARDS: Prize money for top 5 male and female runners (not currently high school or collegiate runners) $250, $125, $100, $75, and $50. (Tentative)
*Race committee, at their sole discretion may prohibit any individual with a former positive drug test or association with a coach who has a history of administering banned performance enhancing drugs to athletes. All runners receiving prize money may be subject to a drug test for any banned substance prior to receiving prize money. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal residency status may be necessary for payments.
* Age group awards & Special awards for at least top 30 male and female runners
*NEW FINISHERS Medal & technical t-shirt to all 4 Mile participants pre-registered (1 mile/800 runners who with to receive a t-shirt, email Justin Dickman at VanWert4Mile@gmail.com)
POST-RACE PARTY: Stick around after the race for Van Wert’s Town Creek Live Festival with duck races, live music, beer tent, food truck, and fun.