7th Annual Kyle Miller First Day 5K

Kyle was one of those people you just don’t forget. He was our son, our brother, and our friend—with a giant heart and an even bigger laugh. Even during his toughest days battling cancer, Kyle never stopped smiling and always made it a point to ask you how you were doing. That’s just who he was—kind, generous, and full of life.

One of Kyle’s favorite traditions was picking out fresh new kicks for the first day of school. He'd proudly show them off in our annual first-day photo with his buddies, grinning ear to ear. That simple joy inspired us to start something special.

The First Day 5K was born out of Kyle’s spirit—to help bring that same excitement of new shoes to local kids right here in Gahanna. Proceeds from the run go toward buying gift cards for brand-new shoes for Gahanna students starting the school year. (This year’s race will support the 2025 school year.)

We hope you’ll join us for the 7th Annual Kyle Miller First Day 5K on Sunday, September 7 at Creekside Park & Plaza (151 Mill St.). Check-in starts at 8:00 AM, the Kids Fun Run kicks off at 9:00 AM, and the main event starts at 9:20 AM. Bring the whole family—it’s a morning filled with laughs, memories, and a little running too.

All funds raised from the First Day 5K will go toward purchasing brand new shoes from our race partner/sponsor, Second Sole, and we’ll team up with Royal Manor Elementary and Goshen Lane Elementary to make sure those shoes reach families who need them most.

Let’s lace up and spread a little Kyle-style joy. We can’t wait to see you there.

*** This is not a timed run.

Where to park?

The Creekside area in Gahanna has plenty of parking options from free public lots to street parking. However, your best bet in terms of immediate proximity is probably going to be the parking garage which is directly next to where we will be set up for the race. It’s located on Mill Street at the intersection of Walnut Street. If you put “151 Mill St. Gahanna 43230” into your Google machine, you’ll find it.

When should I arrive?

The earlier the better. Registration will open at 8 AM with our 5K beginning at 9:20 AM. We’ll need you to check-in and fill out a very quick form that contains our waiver/release.

When will the kids fun run begin?

We’re hoping to start the kids fun run at 9:00 AM. It won’t take very long at all and should be done in about 5-7 minutes.

I missed out on pre-ordering a t-shirt. Will I be able to snag one that morning?

Possibly…but maybe not. We did order a few extras. Guess you’ll have to roll those dice and get here early!

Since this is a run/walk, how will the runners/walkers be lined up?

Listen for our emcee to make the announcement when the time comes. The emcee will instruct our faster runners to begin to line up first. Then we’ll ask those that may be doing a combination of running/walking to fall in behind. Those who plan to walk the entire way will be asked to bring up the rear. Most of you have done this before. You know how it goes.

What’s the restroom situation?

No port-a-potties here, pal! We’ve got high-class permanent ones! You’ll find sufficient restroom facilities on the lower level of the plaza near where we are beginning the race.

Overall, it’s going to be a great morning! Come early and say hi!

Stretch those legs. Pay attention to the signage and course marshals during the race. There will be a water station at the turn. Ummm...I think that’s pretty much it.

Can’t wait to see you all on Sunday, September 7! Thank you all so much for being a part of year seven of our homeboy, Kyle's, event!

Take care,

Ty Debevoise

First Day 5K Muckety Muck

Host or Publisher Family & Friends of Kyle Miller