Hope in Every Step 5K

Hope in Every Step 5K Hosted by Area Agency on Aging 3 Location: Ottawa Metro Park, Lima, OH - Wyandot Shelter                                                                                                                                                                      2632 Ada Rd. Lima, OH 45801                                                                                                                                                                                                          Date: September 5, 2026 Start Time: 9:00 AM

Join us for the Hope in Every Step 5K, a Run/Walk benefiting the Area Agency on Aging 3 Awakenings Victim Outreach program, which supports older adults in our community who have experienced abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This event, fully within Ottawa Metro Park in Lima, OH, is an opportunity for the community to come together and raise awareness while empowering vulnerable older adults.

Help us raise awareness for fall prevention and promote healthy aging by one step at a time! By participating in the Hope in Every Step 5K, you will also be contributing to AAA3's annual 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls Campaign! The annual campaign encourages Ohioans of all ages to walk at least one mile during the month of September. 10 Million Steps events provide Ohioans with an opportunity for exercise, and a chance to learn about local resources available to help prevent falls. Regular exercise is one of many things people can do to lower their risk of falling.

Why Participate? This 5K run/walk will help provide essential resources, support, and services to older adults who have suffered from abuse, neglect, and exploitation within our 7-county service area - Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam, and Van Wert. Your participation directly contributes to assisting in their recovery. Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply want to walk for a good cause, this event is open to all fitness levels. Your registration fees and donations will support Awakenings Victims Outreach, which provides assistance for older adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Family-Friendly: Bring the whole family and enjoy the event together, helping raise awareness for a critical issue affecting many older adults in our community.

Registration: Cost is $20 in advance, $25 day-of. Day-of registrations will be accepted, however will not be guaranteed a t-shirt. Each registrant will receive a small swag bag. Each finisher will receive a finisher's medal and top male and female in each age group will receive an award.

Day-of Registration: Available on-site ($25) and will not be guaranteed a t-shirt. Race Day Schedule: Event begins promptly at 9:00 AM, sent off by RunToledo/Dave's Running Check-in/Registration: 8:00 AM check-in and registration begins Race Start Time: 9:00 AM Post-Race Celebration: There will be finisher medals for each participant, age-group awards, and refreshments provided upon race completion.

Accessibility: The course is fully paved, with some portions going across wooden bridges. Take it at your own pace!

Together, we can help older adults in their recovery from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Come run, walk, and make a difference!