Bellevue residents Marty and Bobbie Mayer orchestrated the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fairfield Avenue Mile in 1996.
The race, which Bellevue residents Jennifer and Tom Ratterman overtook about seven years ago, continues to expand, even adding a 5k element two years ago. People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to participate and push babies in a stroller or bring their dogs on a leash.
Jennifer said the race typically draws in 150-200 participants each year.
“Their (Marty and Bobbie Mayer) heart was to bring the community together to help generate camp scholarships and invest in the next generation,” Jennifer said. “The family-friendly event has become a well-known tradition in Bellevue and has been around longer than the Flying Pig.”
The event aims to provide scholarships for Northern Kentucky student-athletes and coaches to attend leadership camps through the NKY Fellowship of Christian Athletes. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the race go toward scholarships.
Jennifer said the camps are held at Western Kentucky University and are filled with days of “competition and fun” that allow the athletes to grow in their sport and their faith.
This year the Fairfield Avenue Mile and 5k will begin at 8 a.m. July 8 in front of Bellevue Frisch’s, continue into Dayton for the 5k race and end at the Callahan Community Center. To register, click here.
