Thanks to all who made the 2008 Bashful Ostrich 5K a success!!

On a beautiful, warm, and sunny Memorial Day, nearly 800 runners, walkers, and volunteers enjoyed themselves at the new facilities of Scarlet Oaks Career Campus, featuring plenty of free parking. Starting under a gigantic inflatable ostrich arch, many elite Cincinnati area runners set personal records on this flat, fast course that winds around the school's campus and through a nearby industrial park dotted with many musicians playing their tunes. They enjoyed the sounds of the Orlando Lucky Band, Mark Rasmussen, Papa Joe, Prudence Hunt, the dulcimer of Steve Flammer, the Danca' Rinos, Those Three Guys, and Phil and Ann Case playing Appalachian folk music. Princeton High School cheerleaders performed near the finish line.

Runners and walkers who registered early received a sharp purple microfiber t-shirt and those who didn't wish that they had registered in time. Next year, don't miss out on this great deal!

Parents enjoyed seeing their children participate in the kids' fun run and the diaper dash. All received a competitor's ribbon in this free event.

Afterwards, the Bashful Ostrich post-race party was held in Scarlet's spacious cafeteria where everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of UDF ice cream, Kellogg's cookies, bagels, bananas and apples, and bottled water.

Papa Joe entertained during the festivities when the awards and door prizes were distributed. Lucky entrants received passes to CoCo Key WaterPark, free hotel stays, Fleet Feet gift certificates, and many other nice prizes. All received a goody bag stocked with plenty of freebies including a Power Bar and valuable coupons. Those runners and walkers who had problems received complimentary physical therapy from Phil Cadman, MPT, and free massages from Mary Grinder and her associates.

Steve Prescott, race director, who prepared the USATF certified course, provided same day accurate results.

Lots of thanks to our generous sponsors who made this day possible. Please support them!!

Also thanks to the race committee, our many volunteers, and all you who participated. Hope to see you again next Memorial Day – May 25, 2009, at Scarlet Oaks.