Viking Victory Run Returns to Raise Money for North Canton Schools

Viking Victory Run organizers are on their marks and ready to kick off another successful race next month.

The 5k and kids 1-mile Kids Fun Run event, now in their second year, take place April 28 and aim to raise money for the North Canton Elementary School PTO and PTA organizations. In its first year, the event raised more than $17,000, and organizer Todd Davy said they're ready to do it bigger and better than before.

"We're shooting for $20,000 this year," Davy said. "I think we're going to beat it."

If race sponsorships are any sign, he might be right. The event has already brought in $4,000 in sponsorships compared to this time last year.

The first event in 2012 came about as school officials and community members worked to realign school buildings for the 2012-2013 school year to accommodate all-day, everyday kindergarten. Race organizers wanted to unite the community during a turbulent time, and Davy said it did just that.

"Our original goal was to give something back to the schools," Davy told North Canton Patch during the 2012 event. "We wanted to encourage our kids to be fit. We wanted to get our families out running. And we wanted to unite the four elementary schools as we transition into next year."

The event has not only brought the community together, but it has proved to be a fruitful fundraiser that will continue year after year. 

Davy said companies have come forward this year to sponsor the events. He's giving special thanks to For Paws Animal Hospital, which sponsored the 5k; Utterback Dental Group, which sponsored the Kids Fun Run; and Impulse Personal and Sports Training, which sponsored fitness days leading up to the event.

The following fitness days will take place in North Canton: 

• 2 p.m. March 17 at Price Park (green smoothie giveaway)
• 2 p.m. April 6 at Price Park (Frisbee giveaway)
• 2 p.m. April 14 at Price Park

Each fitness day has its own theme, with the first being St. Patrick's Day.

Here's the description from the March 17 event listing on Patch: "Come dressed in green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us. The first 150 kids will get green smoothies, compliments of Impulse Personal and Sports Training. All kids that attend will earn a raffle ticket, to be used at the Viking Victory Run on April 28, 2013."

Register for the Viking Victory Run through the Viking Victory Run website. Davy said this year's runners have high-quality, moisture-wicking T-shirts to look forward to (as long as you register by April 15). Runners can register at the event as well.

Davy said raffle donations are still needed. Contact race organizers through the event website.

Follow the event's updates on Facebook and Twitter.