A project of Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2016, the River Cities Relay has set a high bar for the next class — and established a tradition as well.
The group of young leaders designed a project that would promote community vibrancy, embrace regionalism, highlight the beauty of Northern Kentucky, and benefit local charities.
Its mission was to unite the six river cities of Northern Kentucky with a scenic relay race that passed through beautiful locations throughout the community.
The race began on Saturday at a 6 p.m. under the Purple People Bridge, went from Newport on the Levee through downtown Bellevue, past the development of million dollar homes along Dayton’s Manhattan Harbour and circles back to the first relay stop at Bellevue Beach Park.
Leg 2 took the runners back through Newport and past the Purple People Bridge, over the Licking River into Covington, across the Roebling Bridge and back to Covington Landing.
Leg 3 (for the power runner) headed across Covington and up the hill to Devou Park, back past the Behringer-Crawford Museum to the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky for a breathtaking view o the Ohio River and Cincinnati Skyline.
Leg 4 brought the ruins down the scenic hillside and back into Newport where the relay teams gathered at General James Taylor Park to run the last half-mile and across the finish line together.
An after party was held at Newport on the Levee.
See also: NKyTribune’s Paul Long about rare team competition
Photos from River City Relay.
