“We Love You Still”—Jack Roth Farewell 5k Rock’N'Run/Walk

We hope you will join us for the 16th Annual Jack Roth 5k Rock’N’Run/Walk! For 15 years we have welcomed runners and walkers, young children to adults, to the Central Bexley school campus to participate in what has truly become a cherished community event. What began as an idea by Jack’s daughter, Maren, as a way of honoring her father, has grown exponentially from a small, homegrown race to a widespread multi-generational event, with proceeds that have surpassed our highest expectations.

After losing our beloved Janice Roth, Jack’s wife and co-chair of this event, in October of 2019, it prompted us to think about the longevity of the race in her absence. After many heartfelt discussions we made the difficult decision that 2020 would be our final year. Although the pandemic threw a wrench in our plans, we are thrilled to finally be able to have an in-person race in June (combined with a virtual component for anyone that can’t join us on race day) and organize the perfect farewell celebration for an incredible 16 year run. While it is undoubtedly bittersweet, we continue to be in awe of what our amazing group of family, friends, dedicated volunteers and supporters has accomplished and we will cherish these memories for a lifetime.

The Rock’N’Run was originally established in 2006 to honor Jack Roth and his courageous battle against cancer and to benefit the Jack Roth Fund, which is dedicated to Jack’s spirit, passion, and ideals. The Jack Roth Fund supports research and treatment for lung cancer at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and the Jack Roth Camp Netaim-Ramah Noam, a program in Israel to benefit children with special needs. To date, the Rock‘N’Run has raised more than $1,490,000 in support of the Jack Roth Fund.

We look to our final year with one goal in mind, to honor Jack by making this our biggest and best year yet! Although Janice will only be with us in spirit, her passion for this event is irreplaceable and it is only fitting that she is honored posthumously as our 2022 Honorary Race Chair. We also look forward to welcoming back many of our former Honorary Race Chairs as well to help us kick off the morning with a bang!

The race will take runners and walkers through the beautiful neighborhood. All of our favorite elements of race day will be returning along with some special mementos to commemorate our last hurrah! Following the 5k join us for a fun-filled morning featuring:

• Music, dancing & awards!
• The complimentary Food, Fun and Fitness Marketplace with local food, health, and wellness vendors.
• Kids activities: balloon making, glitter tattoos, braid bar & more!
• Max's Track Dash for Kids—come cheer on all the kids as they run their hearts out in support of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).