Created with the idea of getting the entire family involved in mind, Kasey Kist and Amanda Kunstmann’s annual run is one that keeps growing in popularity.
It’s not an official event put together by a city or organization. It doesn’t even have a name. But for the past four years, Kist and Kunstmann have invited families, friends and neighbors to meet in front of Starbucks to go for a pre-feast 5K.
“My family and I typically do a run each year, but we also always host the Thanksgiving meal at our home, so it’s a hassle to go Downtown for the typical organized runs,” Kist says. “We wanted a family-style one. We wanted it to be more fun so people can walk and kids don’t have to worry about getting trampled.”
The Kist-and-Kunstmann 5K is a good example of the type of health-centered holiday tradition one might find in a community like New Albany.
In past years, Kist has even seen a 2-year old participate in their humble run.
What started as a fun run with about 30-40 people has turned into a charity dash with more than 250 participants. There is no entry fee for the race, but attendees are urged to bring along donations of canned goods for Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
“The race has grown so much organically,” Kist says. “We joked, this past year, about the turnout and at what point will
it be too big to be unorganized. If we market it, it can get bigger, but that’s not exactly what we’re shooting for.”
Prior to the race, donation boxes are placed outside so everyone has the opportunity to give their fair share. This past year, the gathering managed to pack up three carloads of food for donation. Race completion medals for all children involved are just about the only overhead charges for the event.
Planning takes three or four weeks, and because the event isn’t city-sanctioned, the group doesn’t have to worry about shutting down pathways.
“We don’t close roads and we stay off the main drags,” Kist says. “We keep it on the leisure paths and we’ve gone a couple different routes. We go out the day before to scout and set up a water station.”
To get the word out, Kist and Kunstmann use the power of the Internet and word of mouth.
“The whole process has been very grassroots,” Kunstmann says. “We just reach out using social media and email lists to get people involved.”
The addition of a healthful event to the holiday just made sense for organizers and gives participants a chance to burn a few calories before their Thanksgiving dinner. Communal cuisine is a seemingly essential part of the holiday season, but these family feasts can come with some drawbacks if not prepared properly.
It is common for the average American eater to consume more than 4,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Calorie Control Council, an international organization that has dedicated itself to promoting low- and reduced-calorie foods since 1966. Combine that with the dreaded post-dinner “food coma” and you have a recipe for dietary disaster.
Getting out and active earlier with fitness events – Kist’s and Kunstmann’s being a good example – helps combat the potential consequences, gives runners some wiggle room for caloric intake and makes that hearty dinner even more satisfying.
This year’s event is slated to begin at 8 or 8:30 a.m. – whenever everyone arrives.
“It’s a spontaneous little thing,” Kist says. “We thought it was just going to be our family and friends, but it’s come together for this, for a great cause. It’s very representative of New Albany – everyone coming together.”
Stephan Reed is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at tdufresne@cityscenemediagroup.com.
The Pie Guy
Walking Classic founder keeps it healthful for the holidays
It is no surprise that the man whose name is upon the soon-to-open community health center’s nameplate hosts his own Thanksgiving walk.
Each year, Dr. Phil Heit and the New Albany Walking Club gather at his home before embarking on a refreshing walk to welcome in the holiday.
“Thanksgiving is such an upbeat holiday,” Heit says. “Everyone enjoys getting together with friends and family. They start their day off early with their friends. They really enjoy and support each other.”
Following the 2.6-mile walk, Heit invites the walkers back to his garage for hot chocolate, and he rewards everyone with their own apple pie to take home for after dinner.
“We don’t necessarily consider cocoa and pie healthful,” he says with a laugh, but it’s all right to indulge, on occasion, if you remain active.
The event started six years ago and has grown ever since. This past year, when attendance topped out at 60 people, the group ran into a little trouble when it went up against the unpredictable nature of Ohio weather.
“It’s not always nice out,” Heit says. “We’ve had rain and we’ve had ice. People come dressed in all their winter gear. If it’s too bad, we just hang out in the house after the walk.”
