TOPEKA, Kansas (May 11, 2016) -- Runners… start your engines!!!  Sports Car Club of America announced today the first annual SCCA Runoffs 5K and Checkered Flag Dash at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The run will follow racing Saturday evening, Sept. 24, at the 2016 SCCA National Championship Runoffs, presented by Garmin VIRB.

Taking the green flag at 6:30 p.m., the 5K course includes running a complete lap around the Mid-Ohio race track, and runners will take the checkered flag at the finish line.  The one-mile Checkered Flag Dash fun run will precede the 5K at 6:00 p.m. and also finish at the track’s finish line, giving the whole family an opportunity to run on the track.

In support of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness month, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, as well as the Maxton’s Fight Foundation.

“While the primary purpose of the Runoffs is to crown our National Champions, we’re always looking for creative ways to enhance the event,” SCCA Club Racing Director Deanna Flanagan said. “When this idea was proposed to us, we believed it had great potential and was a great opportunity to carry forward the Childhood Cancer Month initiative we began at Daytona in 2015.”

"We really wanted to try and put together a unique, special event for the Runoffs this year," 5K Race Director and SCCA club racer Jason Stine said.  "Fitness is ‘in’ with today's society, and the 5K has become one of the most popular events, both for serious and recreational runners. Our goal is to put on a fun, family-oriented event that is not only for Runoffs attendees but also for the local Ohio running community. Special thanks to Fleet Feet Sports Cleveland and Hermes Sports & Events for all of their support in putting on this event."

After crossing the finish line, runners will enjoy food and beverages during the awards ceremony. Several door prizes from event sponsors will be drawn during the ceremony, including SCCA annual memberships, free tire mounting and balancing services and more!

Registration for the event is now open online here. A discounted entry is available for families of three or more. Contact Race Director Jason Stine at sccarunoffs5k@gmail.com for details.

Participants and volunteers will also have the opportunity to purchase general admission tickets to attend the Runoffs at a discounted rate (more details to come).  For more information on the SCCA Runoffs, please visit www.scca.com/runoffs.

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