The 21st annual Arsenal 5K Run/Walk has been named an official Bicentennial Community Project, helping to mark the city’s 200th birthday – but has been moved to the “virtual” realm because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
But while participants won’t be able to run or walk through the Arsenal Technical High School campus on the Near Eastside, the event’s organizing committee has created a virtual tour of the campus to share its rich history.
The volunteer-organized event has taken place each year since 2000, drawing participation from local schools and the community. Recently, the race has expanded to include teams from surrounding neighborhoods and local youth running groups. The race encourages healthy lifestyles, community spirit, and raises money for graduating students and extracurricular club scholarships.
“Celebrating Health and History” has been the theme for the 3.1-mile course on the Civil War-era grounds. Tech alumni, near-eastside neighbors and families are all encouraged to participate whether this is their first race or one of many.
Currently, the Tech campus is not open to the public due to public health considerations. This year’s 5K Run/Walk will take place “virtually,” to be completed any time between Sept. 19 and Sept. 27. Other elements of the 2020 event include:
– Various themed 5k routes will be shared for participants’ convenience, or they can design their own. The time and route are up to you.
– Participants can post race photos on the event’s Facebook page for prizes, using hashtag #Arsenal5k2020.
– The Indianapolis Bicentennial logo will be on the race shirt.
– Since the race is not on campus, videos highlighting some of the historic Arsenal buildings will be released leading up to race day.
– Green face masks with the Arsenal 5K and the Bicentennial logo will be for sale.
– Youth groups, clubs and classrooms are as always encouraged to participate any way they can.
– Scholarships for clubs, classes and individuals will be awarded. Over $65,000 has been awarded since 2000. Awards will be based on money raised, and applications received.
Business and individual sponsorship opportunities are available and encouraged. Contact Tessie Lloyd-Jones tesskim.lj@gmail.com
– Updates can be tracked at facebook.com/arsenal5k. The entry fee is $20 which includes T-shirt. The race is always free to children through 12th grade, but free entries do not include T-shirts. Register online: Arsenal5k2020.eventbrite.com
The organizing committee is posting one-minute weekly segments leading up to the event at
PHOTO ABOVE: The historic campus of Arsenal Technical High School can be toured “virtually.”
