Whether it’s stilettos, kitten, sling back or wedges, strap ’em on and race to the finish the line for the third annual Kick Up Your Heels 5K, 1M walk and Stiletto Sprint on Saturday, May 11.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the event starting and finishing at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. The race will benefit the ACCESS homeless shelter, providing funds for costs of maintaining the shelter and programs they offer to the women and children in need.
“What we are mostly about is our programs,” said Eliza R. Williams, director of advancement at ACCESS. “The programming here is cutting edge and aims at ending homelessness. We address the issues of our clients.”
Now in its third year, the race is starting to make a name for itself. The event will begin with a 50-yard dash with stiletto-clad runners at 8:30 a.m. and the Kick Up Your Heels 5K will begin at 9 a.m.
“It’s the nature of this type of event,” Williams explained. “Once it’s on your map, you look forward to it and tell others. We’ve definitely seen an increased interest.”
In addition, a 1-mile walk, beginning at 9:10 a.m., was added to the event for all levels. Last year, more than 200 participants raced, while than 250 people are expected to participate, this year. The first 250 people to register will receive a T-shirt and grab bag.
Awards are given to the top three men and women in various age categories for the 5K. Last year’s Heather Iannello was the overall Stiletto Sprint winner.
“We’re helping a lot of people and I think that’s a worthy thing,” Williams said.
FedEx Custom Critical is the event’s primary sponsor. Additional sponsors include OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio, Pence Brothers Siding, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Superior Staffing, Incept, TNT Extermaining Company, County Fire Protection Inc., MC Hair Consultants, Bruner-Cox LLP, Botzum Brothers Hardware, AtNetPLus, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Miller’s Rental & Sales, OMCDC, ComDoc, Ritzman Pharmacies, ALCO Chemical and CommonGood Consulting.
To register and get more information about the Kick Up Your Heels Stiletto Sprint, 1M walk and 5K, visit www.access-shelter.org.
