Programs and Events
Supported Partner Organizations
Annual Programs
Oratorical Contest
The Optimist International (OI) Club Oratorical Contest is the largest oratorical contest in the U.S.
Started in 1928 and longest running program in OI, more than 2,000 clubs participate with more than $150,000 funded by OI and at least double that by the clubs themselves.
Winners at the Club level receive medallions plus a cash award. Zone winners receive a plaque and certificate. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
Regional and World Contest Scholarships are awarded to each Regional winner in United States in the amount of at least $5000.In addition, scholarships in the amounts of $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 will be given to the first, second, and third place World Champions, respectively.
The Zionsville Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is usually held in March and winners advance to the Zone Level.
3rd Grade History Program
The Zionsville 3rd grade history lessons are taught by a cadre of volunteer parents and grandparents. Each volunteer attends a monthly training and spends 45 minutes in class each month with hands on lessons about Zionsville history. Real artifacts from the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center collection supplement the history lessons.
The year-long study culminates with a walking tour of downtown Zionsville and visit to Sullivan Munce. Each student receives a lanyard with laminated history cards so they can become tour guides for their own family members as well. The Zionsville Optimist Club has supported this program financially and with volunteers for over 22 years!
Place
1100 West Oak Street
Zionsville, IN US 46077
Description
The Zionsville Optimist Club is proud to announce the 43rd annual Hit the Bricks 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, September 27! We’ve had 42 consecutive years with no rain, and are the longest continuing event in Boone County!
This year’s event features the usual 5K race/walk, utilizing elements of Zionsville’s Rail Trail and also looping through the historic downtown area, before returning to the start/finish at the Town Hall. Additionally we will have a 3K walk (Not timed) for those wanting a more leisurely stroll through beautiful Zionsville.
Established in 1981, the Zionsville Optimist Club is a local chapter of Optimist International (optimist.org). Our motto is “Friend of Youth”. Please help us fund important programs for youth in our community. The Zionsville Optimist Club is well known for their support of local youth and other local charities.
Proudly Supporting
We are excited to announce that the Zionsville Food Pantry will be our highlighted local charity this year, and Hit the Bricks fundraising will be contributing a large portion of funds to this worthy organization after the race. The Zionsville Optimist Club plans to spotlight other local charities that support children in the Zionsville/Boone County area in future years.
This event is our largest Optimist Club fundraiser for the year. Money raised supports several local organizations and programs including;
Graduating ZCHS Senior scholarships / Sponsorships of local youth sports / Optimist Club Oratorical Contest / 3rd Grade Zionsville History Program / Funding for Textbook, Sports and Musical Instrument Assistance / Boone County Boys & Girls Club / 4-H / The HAWK Foundation / Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding / So Big Mountain House Maternity Home / ZCHS After Prom Event / Holiday Gifts for Families in Need / Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana / Sylvia’s Child / Zionsville Food Pantry
Start/Finish Area
The race start/finish is at Zionsville Town Hall. The route will be similar to previous years and will include running the rail trail and Zionsville’s brick main street.
Participant Shirts
Great looking shirts will be included with your registration through Wednesday, September 17! Be sure to register by that day to guarantee your shirt!
Shirts/sizes may be limited starting Thursday, September 18.
Overall/Age-Group Awards & Raffle Prizes!
Gift cards will be provided for overall mens and women’s first, second and third place finishers.
There will be age-group awards for the top finisher in each age group of the 5k.
Age groups will be in 5-year increments starting at 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34…, and 70+.
Post Race Raffle
In addition to the normal overall and age-group award prizes, Hit the Bricks offers the “best post race raffle prizes in Central Indiana”! We’ve got gift cards, coupons, dinner options and much more from many of Zionsville’s best restaurants and businesses. We’ve really pulled out all the stops for our 43rd Anniversary race. (must be present at post race prize giving to win).
Raceday Schedule
6:30am: Race-day check in
8:00am: 5K Race/Walk
8:05am: 3K Walk (approx. time)
Packet Pick Up and Late Registration
Participants will have the option to pickup their materials (shirt & bib #) on Friday and Saturday.
We will also offer on-site registration both days, as well.
Friday, September 26
Runners Forum – Zionsville (4335 W 106th Street)
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Saturday, September 27
Zionsville Town Hall (1100 W. Oak Street). Enter through the main entrance of the Town Hall.
6:30am – 8:00am
Race-day registration for individuals is $40 for the 5K Run/Walk and the 3K.
For families, race-day registration is $80 for the first two people, then $20 for each additional person.
Scenic Courses!
he 5k course is fast with some rolling hills, and will have you running down Main Street in Zionsville (brick street – hence the name “Hit the Bricks”), through neighborhoods and along the Zionsville Rail Trail.
The 3K is untimed, and will also utilize the Zionsville Rail Trail and downtown Zionsville village area.