William R. Smith was a retired sergeant from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and a fifth-degree black belt who owned The Olympic Karate Club, in Newark, from 1969 to 1999. In the past, he also operated karate schools in Logan and Zanesville and worked for the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office.
In July, 2010, Bill died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. He was 68 years old and still jogged six miles most days or could be seen biking around town.
We felt the best way to honor him was by keeping his dedication to health and fitness alive by starting this annual fundraiser. Our plan is to hold this event each year to raise money for a different charity. The first year, we raised money for the American Heart Association; the second benefitted the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Organization. The third year, we were able to donate nearly $1,500 to the Licking County Humane Society and the fourth year we raised about the same amount for The United Way of Licking County. Year five's recipient was the Food Pantry Network of Licking County. The sixth year we donated all of the money to a church in West Virginia to help flood victims, and last year's donations were given to the Salvation Army. For this year's run we are teaming up with the Licking County Humane Society again and hope to have dogs from the shelter there to join you on your run, walk or ride!
This is not a traditional 5K; it’s not even really a race. There will not be any medals awarded or prizes won. This is just a chance for you to help us remember Bill, and to raise money for a good cause...while sweating a little bit too:)
Please join us for the 8th Annual Bill Smith Memorial 5K on Saturday, July 7, 2018 for what would have been Bill's 76th birthday! The last few years we have not printed t-shirts due to the cost. Nearly one-fourth of the money raised in the past had gone to purchase t-shirts, and we would rather see that money go toward the cause. If you have participated before, we ask that you wear a t-shirt from a previous year; or wear red, white and blue in honor of Independence Day. The price this year is up to you. We had previously asked for $25, but if you can only afford $10 that's fine too. We will do registration and accept donations from 8:00-9:00 a.m. and the Run-Walk-Ride will begin shortly thereafter.
This year's 5K will begin at the bike path parking lot on Cherry Valley rd. in Newark. Thank You!
Call Dante at 740-975-9197 with any questions or problems, or you can email [email protected]
In July, 2010, Bill died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. He was 68 years old and still jogged six miles most days or could be seen biking around town.
We felt the best way to honor him was by keeping his dedication to health and fitness alive by starting this annual fundraiser. Our plan is to hold this event each year to raise money for a different charity. The first year, we raised money for the American Heart Association; the second benefitted the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Organization. The third year, we were able to donate nearly $1,500 to the Licking County Humane Society and the fourth year we raised about the same amount for The United Way of Licking County. Year five's recipient was the Food Pantry Network of Licking County. The sixth year we donated all of the money to a church in West Virginia to help flood victims, and last year's donations were given to the Salvation Army. For this year's run we are teaming up with the Licking County Humane Society again and hope to have dogs from the shelter there to join you on your run, walk or ride!
This is not a traditional 5K; it’s not even really a race. There will not be any medals awarded or prizes won. This is just a chance for you to help us remember Bill, and to raise money for a good cause...while sweating a little bit too:)
Please join us for the 8th Annual Bill Smith Memorial 5K on Saturday, July 7, 2018 for what would have been Bill's 76th birthday! The last few years we have not printed t-shirts due to the cost. Nearly one-fourth of the money raised in the past had gone to purchase t-shirts, and we would rather see that money go toward the cause. If you have participated before, we ask that you wear a t-shirt from a previous year; or wear red, white and blue in honor of Independence Day. The price this year is up to you. We had previously asked for $25, but if you can only afford $10 that's fine too. We will do registration and accept donations from 8:00-9:00 a.m. and the Run-Walk-Ride will begin shortly thereafter.
This year's 5K will begin at the bike path parking lot on Cherry Valley rd. in Newark. Thank You!
Call Dante at 740-975-9197 with any questions or problems, or you can email [email protected]