COLUMBUS, Ohio — Call David Babner the Marathon Man.
The founder and Race Director of M3S Sports has produced 15 different race concepts in central Ohio over the last two decades.
The newest, this weekend’s first annual Black and Gold 5K, a thank you to fans of Columbus Crew SC and their unwavering support of the MLS Cup Champions.
“They’ll be the first people to get a look inside Lower.com Field. So we’re incredibly excited for what’s going to go on this Sunday. We’re very honored and proud that we’re the first race company that’s able to produce a live event in downtown Columbus. We’re going to do it in a very safe but celebratory manner,” Babner said.
More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the race, which kicks off “Black and Gold Week” and concludes with Crew SC’s first home contest at the new field on July 3.
Babner said these types of events usually take six to 12 months of production, but M3S Sports was able to work with city leaders, acquire a permit and make it happen within 30 days.
“It wasn’t a fight, it wasn’t an argument. It wasn’t any tension there. It was just, could we do this safely? And we’re proud of the fact we’ve had a remarkable relationship with the city for over 20 years. And I think that relationship, along with the new Crew stadium downtown and the credibility of Ohio Health really helped us get to this point,” Babner said.
Babner said seeing the new stadium decked out in Black and Gold will be a memory fans treasure for years to come.
“Here’s an opportunity for the Columbus Crew fans to really get out, share their passion, wear their Crew gear, come out with the Black & Gold and just show everybody how passionate they are about soccer and the healthy active lifestyle,” Babner said.
The inaugural Black & Gold 5K begins at 8 a.m. Sunday at Lower.com Field at 550 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Registration is still open to the public.
For more information, click here to visit the Black & Gold Presented by OhioHealth website.
