Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Run/Walk set for Sept. 9

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The annual Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Run 5K and 1 Mile Walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m. at the Student Center at Urbana University, a branch campus of Franklin University. This fundraising event is in honor of Alicia Titus, the daughter of John and Bev Titus of St. Paris, and in honor of all first responders who serve and sacrifice for our communities and our country. Proceeds go to the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund and Scholarship Fund. Alicia was a victim of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks as she performed her duties as a flight attendant on United Flight 175. After Alicia’s death, the Titus family along with local minister Betsy Coffman started Alicia’s Peace Fund housed at Urbana University. “The purpose of the Fund is to carry out the legacy and spirit of Alicia’s life by sponsoring programs for the University and community that promote and support a culture of peace.”

Last year on Sept. 11 at the 15th-year anniversary of 9/11 held at Urbana University, Mayor Bill Bean announced a resolution, unanimously approved by the Urbana City Council, recognizing Urbana as the 145th International City of Peace. The mission statement says the following: “A broad-based network of Urbana civic and community leaders in the area of arts, business, community service (Helping Hands), education (The Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund at Urbana University), environment, faith, human rights, mental health, youth, veterans, elderly and wellness envision Urbana as a city where people come together to create a culture of peace for its citizens.” We invite the City of Urbana businesses and organizations, and all members of the Champaign County Chamber to encourage at least one person to participate in this peace-building event in support of our “Urbana City of Peace.”

The run/walk is a fun-filled family event with lots of door prizes and raffle items donated by local businesses, live music, post-race refreshments, face-painting and other children’s peace-building activities. To honor our first responders there will be a presentation of a commemorative cross made from the steel of the WTC South Tower to the team with the most participants. Last year the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Urbana City Police Division shared this award. Other awards will be given to the overall winners and the top three runners in each age category for the 5K.

Registration for the 5K Run costs $25 prior to Aug. 25 (includes T-shirt). Registration for the 1 Mile Walk/Run costs $15 prior to Aug. 25 (includes T-shirt).

Race Day Registration is 8 a.m. in the Student Center. The 5K Run cost is $35 (T-shirt not guaranteed), and the 1 Mile Walk/Run cost is $20 (T- shirt not guaranteed).

Register and pay online at http://www.can’tstoprunningco.com or return form with entry fee (payable to The Alicia Titus Memorial Peace Fund) to Urbana University, Attn: Tammy Leiker, 579 College Way, Urbana, Ohio 43078. (www.urbana.edu)

Race Directors are John and Bev Titus, 937-663-5360. Volunteers can call or email [email protected].

The race will begin at the Urbana University Student Center, proceed to College Way past historic Browne Hall, turn north onto High Street, head east on Miami Street through Monument Square, south on Main Street to Broadway, south on High Street to Freedom Grove, around the Memorial for 9/11 victims, north onto High Street to the east entrance of the university campus and finish back at the Student Center.

By John and Bev Titus

Submitted by John and Bev Titus.

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