Blog

The sun rose on a foggy spring morning April 30, 2016. As the rays began to spread across the campus at Flat Rock Homes, the temperature and the anticipation began to rise for the 2016 Race at the Rock.

More than 300 runners and walkers from across Ohio made their way to the Flat Rock Care Center campus to participate in the 11^th Annual Race at the Rock. Together they raised more than $45,000 for the mission and ministry of Flat Rock Homes, Care Center & Community Services.

Pastor David Walker, Director of Strategic Initiatives, began the Race Day events with a blessing fixing all eyes beyond the finish line and on God.

At 9am, everyone gathered to cheer on the more than 50 intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals who began the Race Day festivities with an inspirational Special Athletes Race. They cheered and clapped as the Special Athletes crossed the finish line, recognizing how much each one overcame to accomplish this great task.

Then, it was their turn. The runners and walkers lined up behind the start line and began their race at the sound of the buzzer. The runners trekked towards the 2-mile halfway point and turned around, racing towards the finish line. As their breath became labored and their legs began to hurt, they ran with their hearts remembering who and what they were running for.

After the 4-Mile fun run/walk and the 1-Mile walk events, there was an awards ceremony and luncheon. The top 3 male and female runners, as well as, the top 3 walkers were recognized. The 2016 Race at the Rock was an intergenerational event as the top male female runners in each of the following age categories were recognized: Ages 12 & Under, Ages 13-19, Ages 20-29, Ages 30-39, Ages 40-49, Ages 50-59, Ages 60-69 and Ages 70 & Up. To conclude the awards ceremony, the Bishops Cup was granted to Norwalk First United Methodist Church, the top church-affiliated team in the 4-Mile event . And the Team Cup was awarded to the top non church affiliated team in the 4 Mile Event: Health Management Solutions, a proud sponsor of the 2016 Race at the Rock.

The 11^th Annual Race at the Rock would not have been possible without the faithful support of this year’s sponsors. The Alpha Group returned once again as the title sponsor for the 2016 Race at the Rock with The Bellevue Hospital continuing their support as the presenting sponsor of the Race. A special thanks to all of the 2016 Race at the Rock sponsors, including: Health Management Solutions, Manbeck Caputo & Pifer Financial Services, Plante Moran, First National Bank, Rolf Goffman Martin Lang LLP, Ohio DJ Connections, Fremont Elite Running Club, Academy Graphic Communication and The Medicine Shoppe.

Through these generous sponsorship’s and the support of all Race participants, we are able to fulfill our mission to provide outstanding services which transform lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and persons with special needs through a dedication to caring and excellence that demonstrates Christian values.

Did you the miss the Race but still want to support the mission and ministry of Flat Rock? CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW. Or contact Becky Machovec, Assistant Director of Advancement, at (419) 483-7330 ext. 1126 or via email at rmachovec@flatrockhomes.org.

 

Thank you for your overwhelming support of the 2016 Race at the Rock! We look forward to seeing you for the 12th Annual Race at the Rock on Saturday, April 29, 2017! Save the Date and we’ll see you on Race Day 2017!