Berlin’s Amish Country Half Marathon blends challenge, community and charity

On Aug. 25 at exactly 2:18.49 p.m., it was 11 days, 11 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds before the start of the annual Amish Country Half Marathon, a popular event that has beckoned to runners of all ages and abilities to try to tackle the unyielding hills and valleys of Amish Country near Berlin.

That was significant because all the runners would love to feel the thrill of finishing this challenging race that takes place Sept. 6 at 7:30 a.m. as No. 1.

However, this event is about so much more than simply winning a race.

According to race promoter Brent Miller, it is about building camaraderie, facing and overcoming a serious physical challenge, developing a sense of community, and supporting some local organizations that make this event well worth the time to participate in, whether that participation comes in the form of running in the half marathon, 10k or 5k; encouraging the runners who are competing; or supporting the trio of organizations that benefit from the race proceeds.

“This event happens only because of our entire community and all of the volunteers who show up to help support it,” Miller said. “The interaction of everyone from the runners to those who come out and stand or sit alongside the route to cheer them on makes it memorable for all who participate.”

Miller said the interaction between runners and spectators is always something the runners cherish, and he said they as organizers hear year after year from runners about how that support adds to the memories of race day.

This year’s race features a couple of new additions. First is the major race sponsor, which is now Mullwoods. Miller said the teaming up of the local company has been a blessing.

Secondly, there is the addition of a new start-finish line that is much larger and even features a couple of large screens that will show updates of the race for fans as it progresses.

Third, the race has added a new recipient to its list of organizations receiving the financial windfall from the event. This year, in addition to Pure Gift of God and East Holmes Fire and EMS, which helps control various intersections along the race route, the committee has added Sacred Ground, an organization that provides services and support to individuals with special needs and their families.

“These are all additions that are only going to make the race that much more special,” Miller said. “Mullwoods has been a supporter for years. Adding Sacred Ground as a beneficiary was something we felt honored to do, and the new start-finish line is going to add so much to our race for fans and runners alike.”

Miller said fans should get excited about viewing the initial half marathon and 10k start, where 800 runners will bolt out at the 7:30 a.m. start time with the 5k kicking off moments later.

“That is a sight to see,” Miller said.

Once the race begins, visitors can hang around and dine on doughnuts, cookies and Better Life Coffee; hear a free concert by Jeff Polen Band; fellowship together; or interact with representatives from Sacred Ground and Pure Gift of God.

This year’s race centers around the theme of a windmill, with T-shirts and medals having a new windmill design. Runners also will receive those famous noodles the event has become so well known for offering.

“If we didn’t have those, we’d have a revolt,” Miller said.

As for the race itself, it isn’t for the faint of heart. The hills are fierce, and that is something they as a committee have simply settled on promoting rather than trying to sugarcoat it.

“We tell them to embrace the pace,” Miller said, referring to each runner’s willingness to simply compete at the level in which they choose to go. “We’ve got people out here to win it, we’ve got others trying to create personal bests and we’ve got competitors who simply want to tackle the challenge of completing a half marathon. Those are all noble causes, and we celebrate everyone, from the top placers to those who come out here and grind it out because they love the challenge. Either way we respect everyone for trying, and that is one of the unique aspects of our event.”

Participants can still sign up or learn more about the event by visiting www.runinamishcountry.com. Fans wishing to join in cheering the runners on can find the race route on Facebook or on the website.

The Amish Country Half Marathon takes place at Grace Church, 5850 Country Road 77, just north of Berlin.