Races: Swim 500 Meters, Bike 15 Miles, Run 5 K Run 5 K, Bike 15 Miles, Run 5 K The O'Bleness Health System is teaming up with the Ohio University Sports Administration Program and Athletes in Action to host the 2nd annual O'Bleness Health System Race For a Reason on April 27th. With the goal of raising $50,000 for charities and organizations and hosting over 800 participants, the O'Bleness Health System Race for a Reason is becoming the largest charity-based race event Athens has ever seen. The O'Bleness Health System Race for a Reason offers four distinct events: 5K Run: A traditional 5K run that will start on the 50-yard line of Peden Stadium and finish at Tailgreat Park. Mud Run: A non-traditional run, and the first in Athens, that starts on the 50-yard line of Peden Stadium and heads up to and through the Army ROTC Challenge course at the Ridges, through mud pits and obstacles, before heading down to a slip-n-slide finish line at Tailgreat Park. Athletes in Action Triathlon & Duathlon: A short sprint format (500 meter Swim/5k run, 15 mile Bike, 5K Run) that begins at the Ohio University Aquatic Center, heading out of town on a challenging bike course before returning to campus to complete a 5K run and finish at Tailgreat Park. Participants can choose to race alone, or team up with friends, family, or co-workers and enter as a three-person relay. Mud Man Triathlon: New for 2012! Participants who want to step up the challenge of the triathlon now have the option race the Mud Man Triathlon. This event features the normal swim and bike courses but finishes with a challenging 5k on the Mud Run course. Participants may sign up for this event by choosing this division when signing up for the triathlon event. Each participant is encouraged to "race for his or her own reason" by raising funds through pledges. With OHIO student organizations, clubs, fraternities, sororities and additional community organizations involved, it will be possible to increase awareness for a variety of "reasons" with personal meaning to members of the Athens community. This event is the only one of its kind, as it combines the competition of racing with the compassion of community awareness. No other event in Athens has three individual races working simultaneously to promote philanthropy, health and wellness, and fun. Event Start Location Ohio University Aquatic Center Course Description 5K RUN A traditional 5K run that will start on the 50-yard line of Peden Stadium and finish at Tailgreat Park. MUD RUN A non-traditional run, and the first in Athens: starts on the 50-yard line of Peden Stadium and heads up to and through the Army ROTC Challenge course at the Ridges, through mud pits and obstacles, before heading down to a slip-n-slide finish line at Tailgreat Park. ATHLETES IN ACTION TRIATHLON & DUATHLON A short sprint format (500 meter Swim/5K run, 15 mile Bike, 5K Run) that begins at the Ohio University Aquatic Center heading out of town on a challenging bike course before returning to campus to complete a 5K run and finish at Tailgreat Park. Participants can choose to race alone or team up with friends, family, or co-workers and enter as a three-person relay. Awards All finishers will receive a handsome finisher medal and the top three overall (male & female) will receive custom awards. Packet Pickup / Expo RACE PACKET PICK-UP AIA Triathlon & Duathlon Ohio University Aquatics Center Saturday, April 27 from 6:00am-7:45am OU 5k & OU Mud Run Peden Stadium Saturday, April 27 from 7:00am-8:45am Timing / Results Results will be posted onsite and on the HFP website following the event. Directions http://www.hfpracing.com/events/managed/raceforareason/directions.htm