After a two-year covid hiatus, the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House Art and Sole 5K run/walk fundraiser was again real on May 14, complete with perfect running weather. "Art & Sole is truly a community event! We were fortunate this year to be back in person, to have help from so many volunteers, and have over 180 participants. Plus, this year we added some extra offerings for the entire family, and we even had the Erie SeaWolves’ mascot C. Wolf make an appearance to cheer on our youth 1k runners, making the day even more special. We could not be more grateful!" said Kelly Stolar, Art House Executive Director.

A number of Benedictine sisters and oblates were among the more than 70 runners and more than 40 walkers. Sisters Anne McCarthy, Anne Wambach, Kathy McCarthy, and Rosanne Lindal-Hynes and Oblates Mary Hembrow Snyder and Priscilla Richter were walkers along with runners Sister Linda Romey and Oblate Victor Rutkoski. Sister Anne McCarthy finished third overall among women walkers, and Sister Rosanne, who daily walks several miles, and Victor, a regular marathon runner, were the only two participants in the 80 and above category. Prize winners chose their prizes from a selection of children's artwork.
 
Many more sisters and oblates were among the volunteers and staff who welcomed and registered, offered post-run snacks and beverages, provided children's activities, stood guard at points all along the course, and captured the joy of crossing the finish line in photographs.

The route took runners and walkers down State Street then East as far as Reed, going along the bluff overlooking Lake Erie before zig-zagging back up to 10th Street for the home stretch. The Erie Police Department, Erie County Sheriffs, the Pennsylvania State Police, and volunteer road marshals guided traffic at busy intersections along the route.
 
Art & Sole raises funds that help support the free programming in the arts offered year-round to inner-city youth. Learn more about the Art House here.