Twelfth Annual EcoThon at the Wilds April 25

04-02-2009

 

CUMBERLAND, Ohio (April 1, 2009) – Mark your calendars and join hundreds of runners and walkers for the 12th annual EcoThon at the Wilds, Saturday, April 25, 2009, presented by AEP/American Electric Power.

 

This 10K and 5K trail run and 5K trail walk is set to begin at 10 a.m. on the Wilds' highly-regarded cross-country course.

 

“I like that it is a scenic off-road course which is a nice change from the normal road race,” said Juston Wickham, animal management specialist at the Wilds, who is also a marathon runner, track coach, and the designer of the current EcoThon course. “It also has a more relaxed feel since there is no traffic to deal with during the run.”

 

The 10K and 5K trails are across rolling grasslands and go past lakes, woodlands, and wetland environments.

 

From serious runners to casual walkers, to families and workplace teams, EcoThon at the Wilds is for anyone wishing to enjoy the outdoors and help support the Wilds’ important conservation science and education programs.

 

Proceeds from this year’s EcoThon, with the theme of “Runnin’…Walkin’…Takin!” will help support the important conservation programs for Sichuan takin. The Wilds provides field research that is applied to programs in the species’ homeland of China. The Wilds is home to the largest herd of Sichuan takin in North American facilities.

 

The entry fee for EcoThon is $35. Wilds members receive a $5 discount.

 

Registrants receive a free custom-designed T-shirt; registration packet gifts; chances to win door prizes; chance to earn custom commemorative stoneware awards, snacks and refreshments after the race; and a Safari Transport Pass to use on race day or later in the season (a $23 value).

 

Custom stoneware made by Ohio Stoneware in Muskingum County, Ohio, featuring the commemorative EcoThon 2009 logo, will be awarded to the following finishers:

5K and 10K Trail Runs: top three males and top three females overall; top three males and top three females in each of the following groups: 10 and under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70+; cruiser-weight division.

5K Trail Walk: first 25 finishers.

 

Event registrants may redeem their free Safari Transport pass on the event day following the race, or anytime during the 2009 season, for a guided tour to see and learn about the rare and endangered species at the Wilds. Additional Safari Transport tickets for guests of EcoThon participants will be available for purchase.

 

The Johnson Visitor Center, Overlook Café, and Gift Market will be open after the race.

 

To register, visit www.thewilds.org to register online or to print an application form; call 740-638-5030 x2286 or email reservations@thewilds.org to have a form mailed; or register between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on the event day. (Shirts are not guaranteed to event-day registrants). Printed registrations must be postmarked by April 15.

 

Event-day registration takes place near the Wilds’ main parking lot on 14000 International Road, Cumberland.

 

To ensure an on-time race start, participants should arrive no later than 9 a.m. Pets are not allowed on any part of the Wilds’ property.

Sponsors for the 12^th Annual EcoThon at the Wilds include:

 

Presenting sponsor AEP/American Electric Power; Platinum sponsors ESPN 100.9, Ohio State Park Resorts, and WHIZ Media Group; Gold sponsor Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Zanesville; Silver sponsors AVC Communications; the Daily Jeffersonian, Genesis Lifestyle & Fitness Center, Stonewall, and Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville.

The Wilds opens to the public for the 2009 season on May 2, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in May, September, and October, and seven days a week in June, July and August.

The mission of the Wilds, an independent, nonprofit organization, is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. For more information, visit www.thewilds.org.

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