The Logan County Visitors Bureau is launching a new county-wide initiative called Run LoCo: The Logan County Running Challenge, designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the area through a series of local road races while promoting fitness, tourism, and community engagement.
Jamison Thornton, Director of the Logan County Visitors Bureau, says the program is intended to connect participants with communities across the county while highlighting local events and attractions.
Thornton joined News Director April King on Listen Up! Sunday morning on 98.3 WPKO to talk more about the program:
Run LoCo invites participants to complete six participating races during the 2026 season to earn an official Run LoCo Challenge Coin.
The program connects established races across Logan County communities and gives runners a structured way to experience different towns, parks, and local events throughout the year.
Participants begin by picking up a Run LoCo Passport Card, available at participating races and through the Logan County Visitors Bureau.
Each event provides a stamp or punch to track progress.
Once a runner completes six races and submits their filled passport, they will receive the commemorative challenge coin as a reward.
The 2026 schedule features a variety of family-friendly runs, competitive races, and long-standing community events held throughout the county, including in Bellefontaine, West Liberty, Rushsylvania, and Lakeview.
The lineup includes the LoCo Kids Pineapple Dash 5K on June 6, West Mansfield Firecracker 5000 and 5K on the Lake on July 4, Rushsylvania Rockets 5K on August 1, Run to Educate 5K on August 7, the 49th Annual Big Orange Summer Run on August 22, Liberty Spirit 3 Miler on September 7, RushChurch “RushRun” on October 24, Marmon Valley Horseshoe Hill Climb on November 7, and the Dash Before the Game Day Bash on November 28.
Thornton says the challenge also aims to highlight local businesses and attractions, encouraging participants to plan race days as part of larger outings that include dining, shopping, parks, and overnight stays.
Find more about races and how to sign up HERE.
