Show off your best pair of heels for the Second Annual Kick Up Your Heels 5K, 1M walk and Stiletto Sprint on May 12.
Open to men and women, registration begins at 7 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.
A similar event was promoted on the “Live with Regis and Kelly” show. Joy Traschel, volunteer and public relations coordinator for ACCESS, took note and brought it to the nonprofit. The event will begin with a 50-yard dash with stiletto-clad runners at 8 a.m. and the Kick Up Your Heels 5K will begin at 9 a.m.
“We wanted a 5K race that would separate us from the masses,” she said. “We felt that high heels really represented women and it was a creative opportunity to raise funds for the shelter.”
In addition, a 1-mile walk, beginning at 9:10 a.m., was added to the event for all levels. Last year, 120 participants strapped on their heels to run the race, while some dressed in costume. This year more than 200 people are expected to participate and the first 250 people 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. Kyle Bowman, sporting 3 ½ inch heels, won the 2011 50-yard dash.
“This event is truly a great time. I encourage the public to come out, watch and support the participants,” Traschel said.
FedEx Custom Critical is the event’s primary sponsor. Additional sponsors include Chaney Events Management, Superior Staffing, Miller’s Rental, Amer Insurance, Botzum Brothers Hardware, TNT Exterminating Co., Harvey and Associates CPA, Ritzman’s Pharmacies, Earth Fare, United Healthcare, Operating Tax System and University of Akron Panhellenic Association.
To register and get more information about the Kick Up Your Heels Stiletto Sprint, 1M walk and 5K, visit www.access-shelter.org.
