Annual ‘Heart and Sole’ Duathlon Scheduled to Continue
Brittany and Brielle Leinweber, of Ford City, took 1st and 2nd Places in their Age Group-25 to 29 in the 5K Run—with Brielle taking 3rd Overall in the Female Division (submitted photo)
Interest in the annual ‘Heart and Sole’ 5K in Ford City continued last month and will hopefully continue next summer.
Ford City’s Barbara Klukan was volunteer race director for the event and is now asking racers to help promote next year’s race.
“The most important thing to focus on when trying to grow and plan a race is to pay attention to the details. Those details can lead to the difference between a good race and a great one—as participants will notice the quality and they’ll keep coming back year after year,” Klukan said.
“The personal feeling that arises in seeing the faces of the participants as they reach the finish line makes all of us understand why we love what we do, and why we strive to do better at what we do.”
Klukan said the role in the August race was both emotionally rewarding and challenging. The race was dedicated to Klukan’s cousin, Donna Rupert Barto -a lifelong Ford City community-minded volunteer who passed away August 26.
“As volunteer race director for this event, I had a goal in mind of reaching 100 participants. I did not reach that goal—but, the rewards from the smiles of those participating—overshadowed that goal,” Klukan said. We were blessed with a beautiful day, caring sponsors, warm dedicated volunteers, and fantastic participants.
Having been director for several Armstrong Habitat for Humanity Crooked Creek Triathlons, and initially setting the pace for their Raise the Roof 5K during the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival, I learned that it takes time and much work in building upon a new event.”
In addition to Ford City Renaissance volunteers and ‘outstanding’ local sponsors, Klukan was grateful for assistance from local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical responders.
The FCRCP welcomed participants from Industry, Imperial, Butler, Plum, Sewickey, Renfrew, Pittsburgh, Cranberry, Mars, Bethel Park, Derry, McKees Rocks, Indiana, Boyertown, Chicora, Punxsutawney, and Greensburg, as well as from local communities of Worthington, Ford City, Kittanning, and Ford Cliff.
Local News | KP NewsDesk September 25, 2015
