The Buck Fifty

The Buck Fifty is a non-profit located in Chillicothe, Ohio – focused on inspiring kids and young individuals to refrain from drugs through running.

The Race Director of the Buck Fifty, Dave Huggins, opened up about the organization and what it has to offer for the people of the Ross County community.

“It is so great to see people taking up the sport of running, but one of the main reasons people participate in The Buck Fifty is because the race was founded to support our local teens in a drug prevention program,” Dave explained.

He shared that the Buck Fifty supports 2,000 teens in 8 high schools who are enrolled in the Drug-Free Clubs of America Program. In eight local chapters, their teens call their program: M.A.D.E – which stands for My Attitude Determines Everything.

They volunteer to join by taking an initial drug test, before subjecting themselves to random testing during the school year.

Being a part of Buck Fifty is not only a big encouragement for those in the program or running, but it is big even for those like Dave, who shares that: “It’s been a life changing experience for me. I feel very honored to work with so many people who are all driven to make a change in our community. I have met so many wonderful people that truly give you hope that we can make this world a better place.”

He has also shared that they have a host of people who never ran before but have become runners through all of this. What once was considered an individual sport, has now been made into a team concept – something brings everyone together.

“The runners, volunteers, and the sponsors who support us, we are ALL IN, and we are ALL IN together. That’s what I love about this race is how it’s galvanized so many people from so many walks of life.” Dave was enthusiastic to explain.

With all groups and non-profits, there are always needs – and there are always ways that the community can help out with those needs.

“We are always looking for volunteers, and they can reach out to Brandy Spaulding at drspaulding@thebuckfifty.com to see what needs we have for The Buck Fifty,” he informed us.

Photos provided by The Buck Fifty

The Buck Fifty:
PO BOX 764
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Website: www.thebuckfifty.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebuckfifty

Dave Huggins can be reached at:
Phone: 740-701-0848
Email: raceinfo@thebuckfifty.com