Army ROTC to host virtual 5K

Ohio University’s Army ROTC program will host its first Bobcat Battalion 5K at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25.

The Bobcat Battalion invites Bobcats to join in from wherever they are. The Ohio University community is invited to follow Ohio University Bobcat Battalion on Facebook and @ohioarmyrotc on Instagram for live updates and to share your photos and videos.

"This race has been put together very quickly by some of Ohio University's and the U.S. Army's best and brightest future leaders," said John Hansen, Army ROTC recruiter at Ohio University.

Race organizer Paige Walsh is a senior at Ohio University and an Army ROTC cadet. She sees the race as a way to help her fellow cadets and students connect and stay focused on physical fitness.

Anyone who participates in this virtual race and sends pictures or video of their “race experience” to bobcatvirtual5k@gmail.com will receive a unique “1st Annual Bobcat Battalion Virtual 5K” running shirt. Supplies are limited.

OHIO President M. Duane Nellis said he appreciates the Bobcat Battalion hosting this event during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a unique idea that will bring Bobcats from all over the world together remotely. It’s great to see that our Army ROTC cadets are committed to staying fit and healthy by hosting their first virtual 5K,” President Nellis said. “Events like this demonstrate the creative ways our students work to motivate themselves and connect with others.”

Army ROTC Lt. Col. Matthew Amsdell also believes that fitness and motivation are important during the pandemic.

“The most important thing to remember during this time of pause in the world is to stay motivated, stay fit, and get after it,” Lt. Col. Amsdell said. “We want you all to know that we are in this together to inspire others to not lose hope and keep moving every day. The Bobcat Battalion wants you to join us on this journey.”

For more information, contact John Hansen at hansen@ohio.edu or Paige Walsh at pw843115@ohio.edu .