The History of the Race

In 2002 James Sloan was the scoutmaster of Boy Scout troop 132, which is affiliated with the Powell Ward, a congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Powell area. His scouts needed a fundraiser to pay for their summer camp.

James, an avid runner, thought that the boys should do something unique to raise their funds, and proposed that they put on a road race in the City of Powell. Through much hard work on the part of the scouts, the first Powell Spring 5k was run on June 1, 2002 and was a remarkable success, with 180 runners participating.

As the activities surrounding the race grew more complex, James invited the Powell Ward's young women's organization (which also held a summer camp fundraiser) to participate with the boys. Later, the Worthington Ward (another church congregation in the area) was invited to participate. In 2007, 44 youth worked hard to earn their way to summer camp.

When James Sloan moved out of state in 2007, five friends who had helped him in the race over the years formed the Powell Spring 5k race committee and are directing this year's event. Each of us has worked with young people for years and is eager to teach them the value of hard work, fitness and community involvement. This event creates a rare opportunity when each of these desirable goals comes together.

Although most of the youth and adults who serve as volunteers are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, anybody who has need of raising money for a youth summer camp is welcome to apply to participate. (Please see the volunteers page for more information.) Proceeds are paid out to the summer camps or their sponsoring groups, rather than to the youth or their families.

Although the Powell Spring 5k began as a church-sponsored fundraiser, the race is no longer sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you are interested in learning more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please see www.mormon.org.