Fit Fest 2023

– The City of Huntington and Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District will host Fit Fest 2023, an event to celebrate the life of Dr. Paul Ambrose and to raise funds to maintain and expand the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health (PATH), on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Ritter Park.

The rain-or-shine event will include a 5K run/walk organized by O Such Tri-State Race Planners, bike rides on the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health, a bike rodeo for children that will teach bike skills and safety through a fun obstacle course, and kids’ activities through the Huntington YMCA and the Huntington Children’s Museum.

All kids’ activities, the bike ride and bike rodeo are free. Registration for the 5K run/walk is $25 before Sept. 9 and $30 on the morning of the event. Registration for the 5K run/walk is available at Tri-State Racer (https://tristateracer.com/race/12076).

The schedule for the event is as follows:

• 8 a.m.: day-of registration for the 5K begins
• 9 a.m.: 5K begins
• 10 a.m.: 5K awards ceremony and moment of remembrance
• 10:05 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: kids’ activities (bike rodeo, YMCA and Huntington Children’s Museum activities)
• 10:15 a.m.: Bike Rides leave from Ritter Park Shelter # 2 on the PATH
• 10:30 am: Kids Fun Run

The bike rodeo will give kids and new riders an opportunity to practice safe bicycling habits with obstacle courses and challenges to build skills while having fun. Three bicycle rides (6 miles, 10 miles and a long-distance ride) will highlight various sections of the PATH. The City of Huntington also will sell vintage bicycle license plates for $1 and provide information about the PATH.

Fit Fest is a celebration of healthy activities in the vision of Dr. Paul Ambrose’s legacy in the community, and a fundraiser for the maintenance and expansion of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health. Dr. Ambrose received his medical degree from Marshall University and dedicated his life to improving health outcomes and fighting obesity. In 2008, the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health trail system was dedicated in his honor.

“As we reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and Dr. Ambrose’s passing, we hope that this event will pay tribute to Dr. Ambrose and his passion for improving health outcomes as the City works toward long-term plans for trail maintenance,” City Planning Director Bre Shell said.

For more information about Fit Fest 2022, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact planningdept@huntingtonwv.gov or call Shell or Janney Lockman at 304-696-5540, option 3.