One of the things we love most about being in the running business is getting to time all kinds of races all over the area. A new race to our repertoire this year is the Ooltewah Club 5k hosted by the Ooltewah Club! We chatted with race director Ismael Breton about the new race and what the Ooltewah Club is all about.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do with the Ooltewah Club?

Well, I am NOT an experienced Race Director! This is my first time taking an event like this on and it has been both fun and challenging! I'm a husband and father of 3 (Adelynn 12, Liam 10, and Atlas 4). Tennessee has been my home for over 20 years. I went to middle school, and high school in Hendersonville, TN and graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Business Finance from UTC in 2009. I'm the General Manager of a local Auto Retailer and most recently my family of 5 has lived in Ooltewah going on 4 years. We've grown to love our community in that time, and plan on staying here to see our kids grow. I'm simply a member of the Ooltewah Club and I've developed a (late) passion for running as my primary way to exercise and fitness.

Tell us about the Ooltewah Club? Where is it located, what makes it a special place, etc.?

I think our website says it best: "Just a 20 minute drive from Chattanooga, The Ooltewah Club offers the perfect private club lifestyle nestled at the foot of the White Oak Mountain in Ooltewah, TN. In 2020, a new ownership group committed to continual improvements and creating a vibrant, healthy club for members and the surrounding community. With over one million dollars invested in the course redesign and rejuvenation project, The Ooltewah Club proudly offers panoramic views, rolling hills, pure greens, and a challenging yet fair 18-hole golf course suitable for all skill levels.

Featuring a driving range, Junior Olympic sized swimming pool, and two lighted tennis courts, The Ooltewah Club is designed for year-round outdoor activities and family fun. The Ooltewah Club debuted a newly decorated clubhouse in 2019 which anchors the 150+ acre property. An award-winning Executive Chef and professionally trained service staff await you and your family."

Can anyone sign up for the race or do they need to be members?

Anyone can sign up! We started out with the intention of it being a members and residents only event, but to drive participation and interest in the Club, we invite anyone to come out and register. Registration will close on 8/10.

How did the idea for the Ooltewah Club 5k come about and does the race benefit a particular charity?

Every time I come into or leave my neighborhood there's someone running or walking. I was out playing golf with a friend one day, and thought "Man! We have some beautiful landscapes. This would make for a great 5k track" - And then I couldn't stop researching what it would take to make it happen. Fast forward, and here we are. The race is unique in that it will benefit a single Organization voted on by registrants when completing the registration process. All net proceeds will go to the Charity our participants want to receive the funds. Currently, we have a variety of 6 sponsors.

What should runners expect on race day? Where is the race, when does it start, and is there anything else unique about it?

Goody bags! The race will be AT the Ooltewah Club and will include neighborhood roads, golf cart paths, and short distances of gravel. Race will start at 8am. The 5k is accompanied by a 1 mile walk, so people can choose which of the 2 they want to participate in. The golf course will be closed from 8am-10am and there's plenty of space for parking, and time to get to know the Club after the race.