RUSSELL, Ky. — The Ashland and Russell Rotary clubs raised more than $9,000 for local community programs and charitable initiatives through the fourth annual Flyover Bridge 5K, held Oct. 4 in Russell.
This year’s race marked the first time the two Rotary clubs have jointly hosted the event, bringing together more than 60 runners and approximately a dozen volunteers for the 5K course through Russell.
The race was the result of a partnership that developed through closer working relationships between the two Rotary clubs during the 2023-24 term of Ashland Rotary President Michael Huy, who now serves on the race’s fundraising committee.
According to Huy, the partnership provided an opportunity for the clubs to take over an established event while creating a new fundraising opportunity for both organizations.
The race was originally started by Dr. Jodelle Yount to support her participation in Dancing with Our Stars, a fundraiser benefiting the Highlands Museum. After three years of organizing the race, Yount decided not to continue, creating an opportunity for the Rotary clubs to carry on the event.
With the course beginning near Russell High School and finishing at the Russell Senior Center in downtown Russell, the event was a natural fit for the two clubs.
The race takes its name from the Flyover Bridge, a Russell landmark connecting U.S. 23 with the southern approach to downtown. The bridge passes over U.S. 23 and the railroad tracks, providing access to downtown Russell.
“Although this was the Rotary clubs’ first year hosting the race, the community support and fundraising success made us eager to continue it. It is a meaningful way to bring people together while supporting the clubs’ service efforts,” Huy said.
The funds raised through the race will support local community programs selected by the Ashland and Russell Rotary clubs, as well as the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus.
Fundraising events provide the clubs with resources to support service projects beyond what member donations and dues make possible.
The 5K now joins the clubs’ annual golf ball drop in March as a major fundraising event, along with other fundraisers held throughout the years, including 50/50 raffles, a murder mystery dinner and a rooftop party.
Huy says local business sponsorships were an important part of the event, while volunteers helped coordinate runners and provide directions along the course.
This year’s race drew 57 official finishers, according to race results provided by TriStateRacer. Bryson Caniff of Ashland claimed the overall male title with a time of 19:15.9, while Megan Neher of Ashland was the overall female winner with a time of 21:38.2.
The Rotary clubs plan to continue the event, with the next Flyover Bridge 5K scheduled for Oct. 3, 2027.
“We will begin accepting donations after July 1, 2027,” Huy said.
Event sponsors included Ashland Community & Technical College, Community Trust Bank, Tristate Estate Attorneys, UK Kings Daughters, Kentucky Power, City National Bank, Cartee Land Development, Super Quik, Bobby Hall - Greenup County Judge Executive, Curt Robinson - State Farm, Marathon, Greenup County Public Library, Great Lake Minerals, Ramey Estep/Re-group, Onan Appraisals, Southern Ohio Medical Center, Pathways, O Such Tri-State Race Planners, Graphic Solutions, Kim Quillen Photography, Kentucky Farm Bureau, First & Peoples Bank and Trust Company, Prosource, Ross Real Estate Services, All About Animals, Black History Museum, Memmer Realty, Proper Paint, The Write Touch Studio, Meadows Vacations, Giovanni’s Pizza - Greenup Avenue, L.E.O Health and Wellness, Boyd County Public Library, Extreme Heating & Air Conditioning, High Performance Computer Services, Mary Ann Boggs - State Farm, Steve Hines - Russell City Council, Ghostly Gourmet, Golden Girl Group Home, Secondhand Rose, Ink in a Blink, Texas Roadhouse, and Longhorn Steakhouse.
