Nearly 550 runners and walkers helped nearly triple the number of participants from one year ago.

 By Chuck Gibson

 LOVELAND, OH (September 15, 2020) – The 2020 “Steps-n-Salutes” Green Beret 5K may have gone virtual, but it had a real impact on participants and fundraising for the Green Beret Foundation

This banner hung near the start line of he live event in 2019 (FILE)

Participation this year nearly tripled what it was a year ago, (545 total, including 209 runners and 336 walkers) for the third annual event benefitting the Green Beret Foundation. Race organizers are projecting a 50-percent increase in donations from the event this year compared to combined Loveland Green Beret 5k, and the Indy Green Beret ‘Tunes-n-Toasts’  events in 2019.

“What a great end to the Steps ’n Salutes Green Beret 5K  we had nearly 3 times the registrants as last year,” said Char Cooper,Race Co-Chairperson.  “We’re so happy and now we’re aiming to do some kind of a live and virtual event in September 2021 as part of the Cincy Classic Event weekend.”  

Char Cooper, co-chair of the race in green, with Chair of Cincy Classic Weekend Fran Wesseling with mic in blue -2019 event (File)

Here is the wrap-up Cooper issued offering some information for followers and participants about the success of the Loveland  “Steps-n-Salutes” 3rd annual 5K for the Green Beret which was held virtually and came to a close August 20.

 “Kudos and high fives to all of the participants in the 2020 STEPS ‘N SALUTES GREEN BERET 5K,” exclaimed Cooper. “Thank you for supporting our Green Berets, the Green Beret Foundation, and the 3rd annual STEPS ‘N SALUTES GREEN BERET 5K”  

Here are a few highlights from the race:

★ Total Registrations:  545 comprised of 209 runners and 336 walkers

★ Teams – 44 teams participated with 411 participants running or walking as a team member

★ Geographical scope:  Participants spanned the globe including 45 US states and 12 additional countries

★ Age Groups:  All “typical” Age Groups (5 year breakdowns) from under 10 years old to 75 and over participated.  The youngest two participants were 2 years old and the oldest participant was 77!  The Age Group with the largest representation was the 35-39 Age Group.

★ Raffle Drawing Winners:  Congratulations to the following winners:

Ben Hensley and Mark Hartford – HOKA running shoes, compliments of JACKRABBIT LOVELAND

Jason Erdo – GORUCK T-shirt, compliments of GORUCK

★ JACKRABBIT COUPON BONUS:  JackRabbit has so generously offered the following coupon to ALL registrants:

In appreciation of your registration for the Steps ‘N Salutes Green Beret 5K, we are offering 15% off your next JackRabbit purchase in-store or by-phone at select locations. Offer expires 10/1/2020.

Participating JackRabbit Locations:

Broad Ripple, IN…………(317) 202-0202

Carmel, IN…………………(317) 571-0505

Greenwood, IN…………..(317) 887-0606

Fishers, IN………………….(317) 579-0909

Loveland, OH……………..(513) 831-2378

Glendale, OH……………..(513 772-7999

O’Bryonville, OH…………(513) 321-3006

Newport, KY……………….(859) 491-9500

Discount offer redeemable in-store or by-phone at JackRabbit Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky locations. Offer not valid online or at other locations. Offer has no cash or refundable value. Cannot be combined with other offers. Some exclusions apply including but not limited to select brands, categories, and products, including but not limited to technology, electronics, gift cards, classes or events, and past purchases

NOTE: Participants received an email with the correct offer and must present a copy of the email to redeem the special discount coupon.

★ SPONSORS:  A big shoutout to all of our sponsors!  Please support them as they have helped to make this amazing event possible!  Thank you to our sponsors:

American Elite Molding

Cable Tie Express

Applied Designs & Fastening Solutions

Merrill Lynch/BOA – Michael J. Haas

Gerstemeier Financial Group

JackRabbit

GORUCK

BGR/Packaging Supply Chain Experts

Dr. Michael Helms & Indy Podiatry

John Hill Construction

JLG Floors & More

Shooters Grill

Tangible Solutions

T & T Promotions

Moeller Printing

Thompson Gifts and Awards

Loveland Beacon

Special and sincere thanks to all of you for your support of our Green Berets, the Green Beret Foundation, and the STEPS ‘N SALUTES GREEN BERET 5K!  We hope you’ll join us next year – LIVE AND VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD!