American Brain Tumor Association 5k Run & Walk

Written and Photography by Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
This multi city event is used to raise money for cure research and awareness.  Teams raise money and walk and/or run the 5k route through downtown Columbus.

More information can be found at their website:
American Grain Tumor Association BT5K Columbus

Impression:
I honestly did not know what to expect from this event.   I was contacted by one of the event coordinators, Jessie Wlodarski.  Great contact and information, even provided a shot list!

Everything was well coordinated from beginning to end.

Now, to the most important part.

This organization raises money to help research brain tumor cures.  Those participating in the event are survivors, those actively fighting, families of those who are no longer with us.  It has been a very long time since I have felt such unity in a group.

The love, the care, the compassion...the sense of hope, the sadness of loss.  They were all there to love and support one another.   This is the way we should be.

Liz Schilling shares her story of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Here she releases a butterfly in unison with other brain tumor survivors.

Shortly after the race started, the mass of runners and walkers
make their way down the street next to McFerson Commons park

Father/daughter team crosses the finish line, together

A survivor is greeted with a high five after crossing the finish line

Some brought pictures of those they want the world to remember

There are many great causes out there.  We at VisualOhio implore you to find one that is near and dear to your heart and volunteer.

Most think that they cannot do much.  Give a little money, volunteer...come out and cheer these people on.   Come out and get to know them, understand their struggle.  Even just a kind word and compassionate ear can work wonders for all.

Heroes For Heroes - 5K Obstacle Race

Written and Photography by

Andrew Livelsberger

Background:
This 2nd annual race organized by the Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation department is a 5k race with intermittent obstacles along the way raises money to support Hope For The Warriors organization.

Impression:
This was a great event with many teams coming in to support the cause.  Everyone was upbeat and positive, cheering on their teammates when they needed that little bit extra to keep going.

After the teams finished, a breakfast was provided and the times were calculated.  First through third place times were awarded medals as well as some other prizes.


The starting line.

Sled Pull

Tire flip

Hay bail

Running toward the finish line

Superhero team

After race cleanup

Filling stomachs!

First place team

Asian Festival Dragon Boat Race 2012

Along with the events of the Asian Festival at Franklin Park, there were also Dragon Boat Races held at Genoa Park.

Dragon boats are long boats that seat paddlers in pairs and rowing in unison, they send their boats down the waterway.  This is not a sport of strength alone.  It is more about working together as a team and having superb technique.

The two images seen above show the drum that the captain uses to keep time and provide a beat for the paddlers to use to get their rhythm down.

Before the races begin, there is a ceremony where monks pray for the safety of the competitors as well as general good luck for all.  They finish the ceremony by dotting the eyes of the dragon heads on the boats.

Portrait of one of the monks.

The monks are about to begin the ceremony

We can see some of the teams in action.  The heats were actually timed and after two sets of heats, the three teams with the lowest combined scores competed for the overall winner.

Before the races and around lunch time, there were dragon dances to entertain the sizable crowd.
Later on in the evening, Taiko drummers played as well.

The City of Columbus also had a team competing, captained by Mayor Coleman.