June 23, 2025
9.71K The Race Presented by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: A Hot Day, a Fast Course, and a Legendary First Year
The inaugural 9.71K The Race presented by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center made a strong debut as a one-of-a-kind race day experience. Created in partnership with 97.1 The Fan, the event brought together runners, walkers, and fans of all paces and backgrounds for a morning full of energy, excitement, and community spirit.
With three distances to choose from—the 9.71K (6.03 miles), the Fan 5K (3.1 miles), and the Man & Bone Mile (1 mile)—this event had something for everyone. Whether participants were chasing a personal record or just out for a good time, the spirit of community was palpable from the starting line to the finish.
The energy on the course and Finish Line was electric with runners and walkers pushing themselves to PRs and celebrating their summertime accomplishments. After their race, participants cooled down with refreshing cooling towels, cold water and Powerade, and post-race fuel from Panera Bagels, Jet’s Pizza, and Go Brewing NA Beer.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Fan event without some 97.1 The Fan star power. Fan favorites including Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith, Eric Rieser, and Tyvis Powell showed up to run, cheer, and celebrate with participants—making for an even more memorable day.
A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors, our incredible Race Crew volunteers, and every single participant who came out and made this first-year event such a success. 9.71K The Race is officially on the map, and we’re just getting started.
We’ll see you next year!
Visit 971TheRace.com to learn more!