Salsaroja Cinco de Mayo 5.5k

Salsaroja Cinco de Mayo 5.5k

Date:  May 5 (Duh!), also known as Cinco de Mayo!  The race will start at 6:30pm Sharp!

About:  

Cinco de Mayo (pronounced [ˈsiŋko̞ ðe̞ ˈma̠ʝo̞] in Mexico, Spanish for "Fifth of May") is an annual celebration held on May 5. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.  The victory of the smaller Mexican force against a larger French force was a boost to morale for the Mexicans. Zaragoza died months after the battle due to illness. A year after the battle, a larger French force defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla, and Mexico City soon fell to the invaders.

More popularly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. These celebrations began in California, where they have been observed annually since 1863. The day gained nationwide popularity in the 1980s thanks especially to advertising campaigns by beer and wine companies. Today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl.

In other words, we crazy Americans are always looking for a great reason to eat tacos and drink beer which results in VERY long lines at every Mexican Restaurant in town on the coolest day of the year to eat Mexican Food...with that in mind, we bring you The Salsaroja 5.5k!  Come run with us and skip the long lines at the Mexican restaurants, we will provide the Mexican Food on site after your race with no waiting, and you'll get a $10 gift card to Salsaroja to use at a later date so you can enjoy their delicious cuisine without large crowds and wait times!

We will have Mexican themed awards, shirts, and even Mexican music along the course.  If you know how to Salsa, you'll be in heaven!

Cost:  Each registration is $35/person and includes a 5.5k Cinco de Mayo themed race with electronic chip timing, a $10 gift card to Salsaroja Bar & Grill, a Premium Race Shirt, and a Post-Race Meal including a soft taco, rice, salsa and drink!  Stick around and enjoy the post race party to help us celebrate the victory of General Ignacio Zaragoza!  

**All participants must be signed up prior to April 18 to guarantee their shirt size on race day**

Who is this event for:  Anyone who like to run/walk, enjoys having fun, and loves Mexican Food!  Even if you are 2 of the 3, we think you'll love this event!

Race Course:  This flat and fast 5.5k (3.42 miles) will utilize the Wooster Bike Paths along Oldman Rd, Burbank Rd, and the Kinney Walking Path.  If you've never ran a 5.5k (which we assume nobody ever has because we completely made this up), you will get an automatic PR!  WIN!  

Course Map Coming Soon!

Awards:  Top 3 overall Male and Female will receive Mexican themed awards...possibly a Sombrero?

Awards will also be given to the top Male/Female runner in the following age groups - 19U, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Thank you to our Sponsors:

COVID-19 Planning:

Mid Ohio Race Management firmly believes in being responsible partners in preventing the spread of COVID-19 while providing safe and socially distant in-person racing experiences.

With the safety of our participants and community members in mind, the following precautions will be in effect:

*Touchless Packet Pickup - Your bibs, pins, shirts, gift card, and other necessary items needed to start the race will be organized in an open area for you to pick up on your own on race day.  No need for interaction with a volunteer to get checked in

*Wave Starts - Participants will be sent out on the course in small batches, normally 10 runners (1 at a time) every 2 minutes.  Participants will be spaced 10' apart while waiting in the start line chute for their turn to be set loose to tackle the course!  Start times will be determined by predicted finishing times with faster runners first and so on to limit the amount of passing necessary on the course.  These start times will be emailed to all participants on race week so they can plan ahead.

*Touchless Finish Line Procedures - Upon completion of the race, participants can retrieve their recovery bag filled with goodies for post-race.  No need for interaction with volunteers.  The post-race food will be served by culinary professionals that will be wearing gloves, masks, and presenting food in a to-go manner so participants can grab and go also without the need for interaction with volunteers.

*Facial Coverings Required - The running community is currently setting the standard on how to be social in a socially distant manner.  As we want to continue to be a good example for everyone, facial coverings are required before the race until you cross the start line, and after the race once you catch your breath upon completion of the route.  Thank you in advance for your help in this.