Better Angels
The Angel Run
Saturday, Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m.
Kuliga Park, 6717 Bridgetown Road
Pre-registration fees: $35 for adults; $25 for youth. Youth Fun Run: $15/$25 and Family Plans: $70/$99. Children 5 and under are free.
Day of registration fees: $35 for adults and $25 for youth.
Register or donate today at https://TheAngelRun.org
Even in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, people can sometimes find a way to make the world better for others.
The Meinhardt Family originally started the Angel Run, which benefits The Cure Starts Now and other charities, after losing their daughter Sophie to a rare and aggressive brain tumor.
Since then, The Angel Run (Formerly known as Sophie’s Angel Run) has been a staple of the West Side of Cincinnati since 2007. The 5K run/walk in Bridgetown attracts thousands of families, friends, and runners along with dozens of business supporters and sponsors.
“Immediately after Sophie died it was so important for us to not only let everyone know what happened but to also celebrate her life,” said Mark and Missy Meinhardt, Sophie’s parents. “Anyone that knew Sophie knew she was full of life. Sophie never stopped moving during her 18 months on earth. One of her favorite things to do was to ride in the double jogging stroller with her big sister Mia while their Daddy ran. Sophie was a happy little girl who was loved every minute of every day.”
For the inaugural race in 2007, the community rallied behind them for the inaugural race to honor Sophie and raise money for medical research and educational scholarships. The event has helped raise more than $300,000 which has benefitted Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, The Cure Starts Now and scholarships to students of several local Catholic schools.
The 2023 event will not only honor Sophie but other children in the area who have battled pediatric brain cancer: CeCe Sharp, Wyatt Thomas, Jack Schuermannm, Lauren Hill and Elena Desserich. Proceeds from the Angel Run will benefit The Cure Starts Now which is headquartered in Cincinnati and one of the leading organizations in the world funding pediatric brain cancer. The Meinhardt family, who originated the event are still actively involved as they know the amazing value the event provides to the community and the beneficiaries.
“Our family is connected with the Meinhardt family in our collective desire to help the next family effected by cancer, said Brooke Desserich, co-founder, The Cure Starts Now. “Continuing the great tradition of The Angel Run on is just one of those ways. I think our angels will be watching over our efforts and cheering us on.”