Go OTR 5K Run/Walk and Summer Celebration to show off neighborhood's best

Over-the-Rhine, a neighborhood best experienced on foot, will appear in its full glory during this year's Go OTR 5K Run/Walk, this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

Beginning at the corner of 12th and Vine streets, participants will wind their way along a 3.1-mile course that passes by many of the neighborhood's most beloved buildings.

WLWT meteorologist Valerie Abati will serve as the event's emcee, and awards specially designed by Rookwood Pottery will be presented following the race.

The event benefits the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the OTR Chamber, title sponsors for the event are 3CDC, PNC Bank, and the Model Group. Other sponsors include Christian Moerlein Brewing Company, Eagle Realty Group, Grammer's, Lavomatic Cafe, and Rookwood Pottery.

Pre-registration is $12 – it's $20 the day of the race – and can be accomplished by visiting the OTR Chamber website.

Participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets the day before the race from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gateway Quarter Sales Office, southwest corner of 12th and Vine streets.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 participants this year, a 33 percent increase over last year's total.


Don't go home just yet….

Also beginning at 10 a.m. at 12th and Vine streets – but really heating up after the conclusion of the race – is the first-ever OTR/Gateway Summer Celebration.

Organized by the OTR Gateway Merchants Group, the full-day celebration will feature live music, art, food and drink that celebrates the past, present, and future of the neighborhood.

Visitors will find more than a dozen local artists, eight musical acts (including The Sundresses), several neighborhood food vendors, and plenty of Christian Moerlein beer.

The party concludes at 7 p.m.

Sponsors include Ignite Cincinnati, the Central Vine Street Business Association, the OTR Chamber, 3CDC, Go OTR 5K Run/Walk, Downtown Cincinnati Jazzercise, The Model Group, VisuaLingual, and The Little Mahatma. BuyCincy and 89.7 WNKU-FM are the media partners.