Gem of the Highlands 5k: Amanda Sinclair on Uniting a Community through Running
Interview by Abby Farr. Photography by Moriah Kenton.
Sitting on the sprawling front porch at Amanda Sinclair’s charming home in Norwood, Ohio was the perfect backdrop to learn more about the Gem of the Highlands 5k, now it’s third year. As Amanda shared her passion for her Norwood community as well as building bridges among its diverse community members, it was no wonder to me that she felt compelled to launch the annual race three years ago.
Once the home of such major companies as U.S. Playing Cards, U.S. Printing, and General Motors, Norwood boasts a rich heritage. Unfortunately, many of these companies relocated, while their loyal town members remained, with deep roots already established. In recent years, many millennials have settled in the more affordable homes of the area, ready to start families and plant roots of their own. They seem to have come in with equal gusto for the town as the long-timers. However, gaps in their understanding of one another beckons opportunity for growth.
That’s where Amanda and her vision for Gem of the Highlands comes in. Named after the city’s well-established nickname, she thought a race would give her neighborhood “something to be proud of and enjoy.” Likewise, she envisioned all four of Norwood’s wards uniting around one race by getting involved in a variety of ways. In the first two years of the race, fans would pull out chairs and cheer on runners all along the course, even if running wasn’t their thing. This aspect of participation will be a challenge this year, since the race will be going virtual due to COVID-19.
Deciding to go virtual this year was a unanimous decision amongst her board of directors. But how does a virtual 5k race actually transpire, you might ask? Once participants sign up at norwoodrun.com, they will have from the official race day, November 7th, through the end of the month to run a course. There will be multiple course options, one perk of a virtual race. Online contest opportunities, like creating one of the courses, will hopefully help inspire registrants. With 500 participants year one and already doubling that to one thousand in year two, Amanda and her team are working hard to rally even more for year three. They’re finding creative ways to make the race profitable for the good of the community, while living in the age of COVID-19. Having raised nearly $20,000 in the first two years, they’re determined to keep that momentum going.
In interviewing Amanda, there’s no doubt that her mission will be accomplished. She knows they’ll have to pull out all of the stops to bring in money – gaining sponsorships and fundraising is her and her team’s utmost priority. Having had reputable title sponsors in the past, like Norwood Fire Department and Paycor, hopes are high that those names will build trust, as well as a growing group of generous donors.
Nearly a month away from the race, Amanda was insistent on maintaining an element of surprise for those who sign up. What does the $25 registration fee go toward exactly? She was delighted to share—the local parks. She was kind enough to take us to Waterworks Park, where she showed off the brand-new basketball hoops that race funds helped build. The hoops are cemented into a Norwood-proud mural spreading the entire court with local messages woven throughout it, including the town’s zip code, 45212. The idea of creating beautiful spaces to bring more of the community together is her ultimate mission. Even in the race’s infancy, its success had already gotten around the block, resulting in people coming forward with many ideas in hopes of becoming a reality by utilizing the race’s resources. When I asked her how she felt about that, she beamed, saying “That’s the whole point.”
Another major hurdle this year’s virtual race will have to navigate is maintaining the fun Gem of the Highlands has already gained a reputation for having. Those plans are still “hush-hush,” but there’s still a couple of ways to volunteer this year. The race will still have a live packet pick up, complete with swag bags and bib numbers.
Getting creative with this year’s race only seems to inspire Amanda further. She has big dreams for the Gem of the Highlands, both the race and the town. With a two-and-a-half-year-old son, she wants him to grow up in a town he will thrive in. Truly an event planner at heart, she wants to see amazing events come together at her city’s parks and watch her son one day play basketball on the courts her races helped build. Her gratitude for the city’s support was constantly interwoven into our conversation. Undoubtedly, we all should be on the look-out for what’s to come of Norwood, Ohio and its Gem of the Highlands.
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