Miles of Meaning The Impact of O Such Tri-State Race Planners

Miles of Meaning

The Impact of O Such Tri-State Race Planners

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

What if every step you took could help someone heal? That’s the heart-pounding mission behind O Such Tri-State Race Planners, a locally driven organization using the power of running to uplift lives and support those in need. With every 5K they organize, they’re not just clocking miles—they’re building community, raising funds, and giving purpose to every stride. Their next event, Extinguish the Stigma 5K, aims to raise awareness and funds for the medical and therapeutic treatment of Ashland’s very own firefighters. If you've ever thought about running for something bigger than yourself, this is the race to join.

Running is just as popular now as it was throughout history, having earned its place as a communal sport as early as 1829 BC and officially established in Ancient Greece by 776 BCE. With an estimated 621 million runners worldwide, the sport remains one of the most accessible, uniting communities across the globe. Whether sprinting through city streets, gliding over farmlands, or tackling rugged mountain trails, runners often carry more than just water bottles—they carry stories, causes, and motivation that fuel every step.

Modern running has become more than just competition; it’s become a movement. Across the world, runners from all walks of life form socially conscious groups focused on charitable causes, using their passion for fitness to give back. Rain or shine, they lace up and hit the road—driven by family, friends, personal goals, or missions that matter.

Among the most accessible events are 5K races—a manageable 3.1 miles that allow both seasoned runners and newcomers to join in without extensive preparation. These events are festive, friendly, and flexible, often hosted wherever there’s room to run. From parks to parking lots, the mobility of 5Ks makes them a favorite for communities looking to combine fitness with fundraising.

Enter Alan Osuch, the force behind O Such Tri-State Race Planners, who has built a thriving running community on the foundation of running for a cause. Through his organization, Osuch has designed dozens of races across the region, each one carefully tailored to benefit local charities and community efforts. His events include 5-year age brackets with three levels of placement, giving everyone—from beginners to competitive runners—a fair and fun experience.

With cooler weather ahead, ideal running conditions are just around the corner. One of the most anticipated events of the season took place last week. The second annual Extinguish the Stigma 5K, aimed at supporting the medical and therapeutic care of Ashland firefighters was a huge success. The race began at 1021 Carter Ave., the Ashland Fire Department in downtown Ashland, and proceeded to the Ashland Town Center Mall at 500 Winchester Ave. Runners completed three laps around the mall’s parking lot before returning to the fire station.

If you missed out on the iconic Extinguish the Stigma 5K, don’t fret because Osuch and his team have a full slate of events planned throughout the fall, offering something for every kind of runner:

• September 13th, 9:00 AM – Mattie Conley Memorial 5K

  
  

  Location: Starts at Russell Senior Center, stretches to Worthington and back along the river

• September 14th, 2:00 PM – Run with the Tomcats 5K

  
  

  Location: Catlettsburg, KY

  
  

  Beneficiary: Ashland Tomcats Basketball Team

• September 27th – Shop with a Deputy 5K

  
  

  Cause: Benefits underprivileged children with a shopping day alongside local deputies.

• September 28th – KA-POW Childhood Cancer 5K

  
  

  Theme: Superheroes

  
  

  Hosted by: Legacy Ashland Church

  
  

  Proceeds benefit: Families affected by childhood cancer

How to Register:Participants can sign up through the O Such Tri-State Race Planners Facebook page or by emailing osuchraceplanners@aol.com. Same-day registrations are also available for anyone looking to join last-minute.

Whether you’re racing for a cause, for community, or simply for yourself, O Such Tri-State Race Planners has an event that fits your pace. So, tie your laces, pick your race, and get ready to make a difference—one stride at a time.