Thanks to Fleet Feet Loveland, something pretty special occurs every Wednesday along the scenic bike trail in historic downtown, from Memorial Day all the way through Labor Day. What looks like a usual snapsnot of the bike trail at first glance — runners stretching, walkers chatting, stroller-parents jogging — is actually part of the Loveland 5K Summer Race Series, a weekly celebration of fitness, connection, and community giving that has become a beloved summer tradition for more than 17 years.
Local running legend Bob Roncker, whose Running Spot held the notable Loveland space for years, originally established the weekly race and raised money for local charities, which the subsequent store owner did not continue. Then came Frank and Stacey DeJulius.
“My wife and I own Fleet Feet and acquired the Loveland store back in 2023,” says Frank of the running retail and training establishment. “The Summer Series had been going on thanks to the original owner of that store, Bob Roncker, for years and years, and we wanted to honor it.”
“But to inject more energy, we invited community partners and charity partners to raise money,” he continues. “Nonprofits like ‘DoitforJack’ or ‘Girls on the Run’ for example. Now, people can come out and make donations, or learn about different charities before each weekly race.”
Fleet Feet intentionally prioritizes local organizations, often selecting groups that serve families and neighborhoods in the Loveland area. While donations are encouraged, they are never required to participate.
But Frank and Stacey didn’t stop there. Fleet Feet also invites different well-known running brands every week to set up and showcase something new prior to the run.
“We invite vendor partners we work closely with … it’s a great way to engage them with the community of Loveland,” Frank explains. “It’s up to each vendor partner what they would like to feature, especially things like a hot new shoe release. A lot of times, vendors like Asics bring demo shoes people can try on, and even run in the demo shoe for the night. Then they can buy the new shoe on-site at the Loveland store.”
Other brands who typically participate include Nike, Hoka, New Balance, and more.
But the real heart of the series lies in its commitment to giving back, blending support for local nonprofits as well as local businesses.
“Most people hang out at the finish line and cheer on all the finishers. Then the group will migrate to one our neighbors like Better Blend or Paxton’s,” Frank smiles. “I feel like the energy varies with who the partners and the charities are each week … either way, we’re usually doing an activity after the race that supports our community partners and businesses. We do different things every week, always something fun for the neighborhood. We’ve even had taco trucks.”
Want to get your running steps in, sample some new kicks, experience local, and support hometown charities? It’s all yours every Wednesday night at Fleet Feet Loveland. See the full summer schedule of featured brands and charity partners online — then lace up and get going.
FleetFeet.com/s/cincy/racing/summer-race-series | 127 W. Loveland Ave, Loveland | 513.831.2378