NEWS

Flooding forces reroute of Heart Mini course

Henry Molski
hmolski@enquirer.com
Participants make their way toward the finish line of the Heart Mini 5K Run in March of 2014

The Heart Mini-Marathon will be rerouted Sunday because of Ohio River flooding.

Flooding on Riverboat Row in Newport in particular had organizers rushing to change course as they prepare for more than 25,000 runners and walkers.

"It's just the half [marathon] that's affected for now, but we'll have an update for runners soon," spokeswoman Lori Fovel told The Enquirer Saturday afternoon.

The half marathon portion of the weekend's event was originally scheduled to lead runners across the Purple People Bridge from downtown Cincinnati into Newport before turning onto Riverboat Row.

Organizers said the new route would include a second turnaround on Columbia Parkway, west of Torrence Parkway, to gain additional distance and reach a 13.1 mile course.

The reroute was accurately measured by USA Track and Field standards, Fovel said.

The first major race of the season benefits the American Heart Association.

Photos from Saturday's Shamrock Shuffle race in West Chester:

The weekend schedule includes:

Saturday, March 14

Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Sam's Club | Duke Energy Convention Center

Registration & Team Packet Pick Up

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Inside Expo

Sunday, March 15

Pre-Registered Packet Pick Up & Late Registration at First Financial Building

7:30 a.m.: 15k Heart Mini-Marathon and St. Elizabeth's Heart ½ Marathon

10:30 a.m.: 5K Heart Race

11:30 a.m.: 2K Kids' Race

12:00 p.m.: 3-mile and 5-mile HeartWalk

12:30 p.m.: 1K Steps for Stroke

Post race celebration on Government Square with food, photos, music and fun!

The Heart Mini is projected to raise over $3.1 million dollars for the American Heart Association's research and education programs.

For more information about the Heart Mini visit www.heartmini.org or call the American Heart Association at 513-281-4048.