Photographer: Race Director, Dave Huggins The Buck Fifty finish line at OU Chillicothe Shoemaker Bridge
Ohio University Chillicothe served as the host site for The Buck Fifty, a 150-mile running relay around Ross County. The event starts and ends at the OU Chillicothe Shoemaker Bridge. Seventy-three teams from over twenty states came to experience the challenging and hilly course. This year’s events included the first-ever Bike Fifty as well.
Raised funds will support 2,400 students in local drug education programs for eight Ross County high schools. A number of OU Chillicothe faculty, staff, and students volunteered for the 27-hour race. Dean Tuck remarked, “The campus was very pleased to donate space and offer volunteers for this important community event. Our campus personnel remain committed to serving our community for great causes such as this.”
Jeremiah Triplett, nursing advisor, captained Checkpoint 22 for OU Chillicothe while Dean Marty Tuck handled Checkpoint 23 for the Chillicothe Rotary. Both checkpoints were in Scioto Trail State Park.
Tired and sleepy by the time runners reached these checkpoints on Saturday morning, the sites represented an oasis of support and encouragement with volunteers cheering on the runners. Dean Tuck’s checkpoint served up hamburgers and hot dogs while Triplett’s handed out biscuits and gravy.
One team remarked that running toward the inviting aromas prompted them to move even faster. Other OU Chillicothe volunteers stuffed or passed out swag boxes full of donated goodies for the runners or helped with checkpoints, information, directions, and other key tasks. Triplett said, “It was nice to see the community come together in such a positive effort for a cause that affects so many.”
Among those known to participate from the campus include: Dean Marty Tuck, Associate Dean Brenda Phillips, Jeremiah Triplett (Nursing), Karen Corcoran and her granddaughter Ellie (Education), Leanna Ater (Financial Aid), Mary Brown (Social Work), Dywayne Nicely (Math), Greg Obi (Business), Robb Moats (Biology), Angie Walsh (Café), and students Alivia McBee, Lauren Fiffe, Tyler Shortridge, and Summer Riley.
In addition, OU Chillicothe’s entire facilities crew supported the effort to put on this signature event. For more information, visit www.thebuckfifty.com or follow The Buck Fifty on Facebook and twitter. Volunteers will be needed in 2019!