CLEVELAND SCULPTOR Joshua Coleman is seen installing his “Sitting Tall” creation earlier this summer at the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway. An upcoming 5K run and walk will showcase the new Phase 5 connector of the Greenway and the linear park’s inaugural piece of artwork.
Since completion of its opening phase more than a decade ago, the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway has hosted thousands of health enthusiasts, recreationists and outdoor lovers, but planners are now kicking it up a notch, according to Jean Wenn Luce, race director, who is promoting the event.
This first-time initiative hopes to accomplish several objectives.
One, public awareness is being promoted by the use of the Greenway’s newest stretch — Phase 5 which connects Raider Drive to Tinsley Park with a newly paved path while also updating the existing Tinsley Park Trail.
Two, the work of the new Greenway Public Art Committee is being featured with the first art addition to the popular Cleveland linear park. It is “Sitting Tall,” an oversized, canary-colored straightback chair created by local artist Joshua Coleman who is teaming with Luce to promote the coming event.
Three, proceeds from the first-time run and walk will support the diverse community impact programs at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church.
Four, like many other community road races and walks of the same type, the Greenway 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk/Fun Run will promote healthier lifestyles among existing runners and walkers, as well as those who are looking to begin such an exercise regime.
Registration will begin at 7 a.m. and the race and walk get under way at 8 a.m. Both will begin and end at the Tinsley Park pavilion and playground area.
Luce said 5K runners will use the new stretch of Greenway from Tinsley Park to just beyond Raider Drive near the “Sitting Tall” exhibit and walkers will head in the opposite direction, from Tinsley Park toward Mohawk Drive and back.
“What’s unique about this event?” Luce asked rhetorically. “We are promoting activity on the new Greenway section as well as awareness of Joshua Coleman’s ‘Sitting Tall’ sculpture.”
Luce and Coleman are partnering to feature an image of the big yellow piece of art on the fronts of the participant T-shirts and registration forms.
“The Greenway Public Art Committee and Cleveland Police Department also are supporting the event to raise awareness of another of this community’s jewels,” Luce said. “My hope is that the event will be successful and merit an annual occurrence, allowing us to promote a different piece of art on the Greenway each year ... creating a nice series of feature T-shirts.”
Participants may register on-site on the morning of the event or pre-register using the Chattanooga Track Club website at www.chattanoogatrackclub.org.
Because Cleveland does not currently have an organized track club, many area running enthusiasts use the Chattanooga Track Club website, and its resources, for information and networking, Luce explained. But the Greenway run is a Cleveland event being planned by local people and its proceeds will benefit Bradley County causes.
Participant fees will include $20 for adults and $15 for students for the 5K, and $12 for all age groups for the walk and Fun Run.
Awards will be presented in several age divisions for the 5K for both males and females. Divisions will include ages 10 & Under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 & Above.
Anyone wishing to pre-register prior to the event date may obtain an application form off of the track club website or at any number of community locations such as the Cleveland Family YMCA, The Rush Fitness Complex, BI-LO, area high schools and middle schools, and other locations. Completed applications may be returned to St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church.
Questions may be directed to the website or to Luce at 423-322-5636.
