5K in Putnam to raise funds for park

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The second annual ‘Putnam 5K Restoration Run’ kicked off in Zanesville this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Organizers were happy to see that registration was up from 25 runners last year to 33 this year. Lori Wince, one of the organizers, said that the run through the Putnam area gives runners a view of some of the city’s most historic sites.

“They will pass the oldest house in Zanesville and the Increase Matthews Museum. They will pass a lot of stops on the old Underground Railroad. They pass the Weller Pottery Building when they go into [Woodlawn] Cemetery. And in the cemetery there are a lot of famous folks buried there as well. So it’s kind of a historical run,” said Wince.

Restoration Park, where the race starts, was originally restored by a Putnam area couple. They are now turning the park over to local businesses. Wince said part of the 5K is to raise money for the park’s up keep.

“They are now turning over control, and maintenance, and the expenses that go along with it, to business owners on Muskingum Avenue. That’s why we are holding this race. So we can raise money to take care of the park and improve it a little,” said Wince.

This year’s race winner, with a time of 18:13, was Austin Farris.