CINCINNATI -- Over-the-Rhine is hoping crowds will come running to its businesses during its annual 5K summer celebration this weekend.
The fundraiser has been a tradition for the past 11 years, and the traffic that it brings in helps OTR businesses flourish.
Nine years ago, there were hardly any businesses in OTR, specifically on Vine street, until shops like The Little Mahatma, an exotic jewelry, folk art and artifact store, began to develop.
"That was the start of it, and it took a while for that to develop, but once it did, it just has grown incredibly," Dan Schwandner, owner of The Little Mahatma, said.
According to the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, 45 businesses opened in the area in 2016, and officials said they are on track to do the same in 2017.
"Building a very healthy and sustainable business district is what our goal is," Kelly Adamson, president of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, said.
Adamson said that Over-The-Rhine is an amazing neighborhood, and the 5K is one of the biggest fundraisers that supports the community.
"We encourage people to come on down to run, explore the neighborhood and enjoy the celebration," Adamson said.
This year’s event will take place over two days, beginning with a Friday celebration filled with bike tours, vendors, and a live band performance.
The 5K run/walk will take place Saturday in Washington Park with more activities to follow.
