Area residents of all ages are invited to run for Scouts on Sept. 5.
The inaugural Boy Scout Soaring Eagle Runs will feature a variety of events including a half marathon, a
5K and half-mile run.
The event is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Wood District in the Erie Shores Council.
Don Snyder, a Scoutmaster and avid runner, conceived the idea combining his interests which won the
support of the Scouts.
?The runs are dedicated to recognize and support today?s youth and the Scouting traditions and values,
from Tiger Cubs to Eagle Scouts,? Snyder states.
All the races will begin at the Wood County Fairgrounds. The longer races will also take the runners
outside the fairgrounds.
The 5K will run on city streets; while the half marathon will take the runners on city streets and
country roads.
The half-mile course will be run entirely at the track in front of the grandstands at the fairgrounds.

?We?re very excited about this and hope to make it an annual event,? Snyder stated.
Organizers have appropriately named the races with the Boy Scout Half Marathon being 13.1 miles. It is
designed for individuals who are training for distance races. There will be nine water stations along
the course.
The Tenderfoot 5K, which translates to roughly 3.1 miles is designed for competitive runners or those who
like long walks. There are two water stations along this course.
Both of these races will finish in front of the grandstands.
The Tiger Cub Half Mile Run is for kids age 10 and under; although Snyder indicated their parents may
join if desired.
The race is one lap of the fairgrounds track.
In addition to the runners, Snyder invites the public to come and watch the events.
Registration opens at 7 a.m. on race day. The half mile run starts at 8 a.m., followed by the half
marathon and 5K at 8:30 a.m.
While registration may be made on the day of the race, there is a discount for advance registration. In
addition, those registered in advance will be given a ?BSA Soaring Eagle Run? T-shirt. Snyder indicated
there will be a limited number of shirts available on the day of the race.
The races will also have awards. Refreshments will also be served after the races.
Both the half marathon and 5K race winners will receive $50 as they establish the course record. The
prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female as well as the overall ?masters? winners for the
male and female age 40 and over.
Other awards will be given to the top three finishers in each of 16 age divisions.
The divisions are five-year brackets ranging from 9 and under to 80 and over. Finishers medals will be
presented to all who complete the half marathon.
Entry fee discounts will be given to those postmarked by Aug. 24.
Registration fees are (advance): $27 ($23) for the half marathon; $21 ($18) for the 5K; and $7 ($3, no
shirt) for the half mile run.
Naturally Snyder indicates any additional donations would be welcome, and will be given to the Friends of
Scouting Campaign.
Proceeds from the event will assist in the overall value to the nearly 300 packs and troops in the Erie
Shores Council which covers more than five counties in Northwest Ohio including Wood County.
Registrations and donations made payable to Erie Shores Council Wood District BSA, may be mailed to Wood
District BSA, Attn: Soaring Eagle Runs, P.O. Box 724, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Online registration, available until Aug. 29, can be made at the council?s Web site, www.erieshorescouncil.org. Snyder says to follow the links for
the runs on that page.
Snyder can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling (419) 494-3027.
He says, ?Plan to come on out, invite your family and friends, and start a tradition by participating in
one of the events.?