Conquer the Hill 5K Exceeds Expectations with Record Turnout and Impact

By Kate Alexander and Kitsa Rhoad

It was a beautiful, crisp Saturday morning on April 27^th as participants, volunteers and supporters of all ages gathered for the 13th annual Conquer the Hill 5K race/walk- and what a turnout it was! The event hit record attendance and impact for the Indian Hill District community, with 388 total registrants and over $15,000 raised for the Braves Helping Braves fund. 

As the horn sounded, runners, walkers, and strollers took off to experience the tranquil course, which stretches down Drake Road, onto Shawnee Run Road, and winds through the beautiful side streets of Indian Hill. The vast greenery and mature trees provided ample shade and made this a very family-friendly run for those looking to introduce the younger generation to a 5k.  

Student participation (18 or under) was up 20% over the previous year, due in large part to the 2nd annual Kid Fun Run and the timing that let families enjoy race activities and stay for Spring Fling- the IH Primary School & Elementary School’s annual carnival event. This year’s Spring Fling was held on the IHHS football field and featured several bouncy houses, slides and games along with a great assortment of purchasable crafts, accessories, and apparel. Just outside the stadium, visitors could also explore one of the local fire trucks, sound the horn of a Bobcat, or for a fluffier experience, pet a variety of farm animals.   

Conquer the Hill is supported by all three district support groups: Indian Hill Foundation, IH Boosters and IH PTO.  Money raised goes to the Braves Helping Braves fund, managed by the IH Foundation and administered by the Director of Student Services, Erica Leppert. The Braves Helping Braves fund was created in 2020 by the IH Foundation to support district families who may be experiencing hardship in some way. 

Anna McCuiston, the event’s volunteer coordinator, states, “It was a great day to be a Brave. It was a joy to see so many Braves taking part in the 5K and Kid Fun Run! And the best part, we raised over $15,000 for Braves Helping Braves. Our schools have so many great opportunities for students and it is important to have a fund such as this to support moments of crisis but also to ensure that there are no barriers for any Brave wanting to participate in all that is offered.” 

Thanks to the generous Presenting & Supporting sponsors who made the significant funding for Braves Helping Braves possible: Park National Bank, Oswald/SMP, Laura Wogen/Oyler Hines, JK Meurer Corp, and Heatwave Pools. 

Thanks to the many students, teachers, and community volunteers who made it a great day for all. 

“As a runner myself not much surpasses the feeling of a great race but that was exceeded on Saturday upon seeing so many enjoy the race on a beautiful morning while supporting a very important cause,” concludes McCuiston. 

Interested in being a Conquer the Hill 2025 sponsor?  Email IH Foundation Executive Director Meredith Ducey  meredith.ducey@ihsd.us. Learn more about the Braves Helping Braves fund at indianhillfoundation.org/BravesHelpingBraves.