wacky tie contest This year's race is being held on Father's day and we all know that nothing says "Happy Father's Day" like an ugly tie! Guys, gals and kids: wear your tackiest tie to the race for a chance to win some really great prizes! The grand prize is a set of four Indians tickets! Spread the word!   calling all runners! Ohio Canal Corridor will be hosting the innaugural Towpath Ten-Ten (10K and 10-miler) on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 at 7:00 am in Valley View, OH. This event showcases some of the most beautiful segments of the historic Towpath Trail located between Akron and Cleveland. The Towpath Marathon is one of few marathons that take place in a national park, and many consider it a unique specialty race due to the setting and time of year in which it is run. All proceeds from the event benefit Ohio Canal Corridor, an organization that has been actively developing and participating in a variety of events and projects to preserve, promote and educate the public about the area surrounding one of Northeast Ohio’s most valuable resources – our park system along the Ohio Canal. To learn more about Ohio Canal Corridor, visit their website at www.ohiocanal.org how the races began... The Towpath Marathon was established in 1992 to introduce the Towpath Trail as a new recreational amenity and to promote the establishment of the Ohio & Erie Canalway; in 1993, it was one of ten events that celebrated the completion of the Towpath Trail through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Since its inception the Towpath Marathon has grown to become one of Northeast Ohio’s premier marathons, attracting an average of 2,000 participants and 3,500 spectators from more than thirty-two states for a weekend of outdoor festivities and athletic competition. Described as “one of the most beautiful race courses in America” by Runner’s World magazine, the Towpath Marathon showcases breathtaking segments of the historic Towpath Trail located between Akron and Cleveland. It is one of few marathons that take place in a National Park, and many consider it a unique specialty race due to the setting, fall foliage and crushed limestone surface. The course has changed many times throughout the life of the marathon and most recently drew attention to newly completed portions of the Towpath Trail as it heads into downtown Cleveland. Based on the amazing growth and sucess of the Towpath Marathon, we have decided to introduce a second race on the Northern part of the Trail. This addition brings us one step closer to fulfililing a new goal of developing a wellness initiative based on a three-race series beginning with a 5K and 5-miler in the spring, followed by the Towpath Ten-Ten in June and the Half and Full Marathon in October. The wellness initiative would encouragelf people to set personal goals in the spring, measure progress in the 3 races and complete their personal journey at the Towpath Half anf Full Marathon in October.s   the organization behind the race OHIO CANAL CORRIDOR'S MISSION STATEMENT …. To create a park system that follows the route of the historic Ohio Canal from Cleveland through Zoar to Dover/New Philadelphia by promoting historic preservation and interpretation expanded recreational opportunities and sensitive economic developments. THIS MISSION IS ACCOMPLISHED BY: ~Managing the campaign for federal designation as a National Heritage Corridor. ~Linking the natural and cultural assets via a master bike/hike trail, rail and scenic roadway. ~Increasing public awareness through community education, diverse activities and events. ~Forging dynamic public/private partnerships that develop key physical projects. ~Promoting the Corridor as a tourist destination, showcasing its natural cultural, and historic resources. PHILIOSOPHY The Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway was established as the nation's 5th such corridor in 1996. It encompasses 38 communities over a four county area from Cleveland's Lakefront to New Philadelphia. A NEW KIND OF PARK ~ Imagine a park that blends the old with the new. A park that encourages new museums, housing and commercial developments. Stretching 110 miles from Cleveland's vibrant lakefront to the historic New Philadelphia, the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway is a new kind of park!! ~Unlike traditional parks, the Heritage Corridor is a mix of public and private lands, buildings, and communities. ~ In short, neighborhoods and towns; rivers and streams; museums and industries are joined into one big park where people work, learn, and play. ~ Since 1996, investment in the project has exceeded $277 million.To learn more, visit us at www.ohiocanal.org