Approximately 3.2 percent of conventiongoers will make history on Sunday morning simply by running.

Months ago, 235 runners registered for the first ever Mennonite convention 5K run. Ten-year-old Elora Neufeld, from Ontario, represents the youngest registered runner.

“It’s a trial year; we’re seeing how it goes,” said Abby Miller, a convention planning intern.

Runners registered before May 22 with a $10 fee to cover the T-shirt and water costs. Other interested runners may join the run at the North Bank Park, although they will not receive a T-shirt or prize.

The top female and male finishers can choose from a sweatshirt donated by each Mennonite college. Other participants are eligible to win one of the remaining three sweatshirts in a raffle.

To better prepare the corps of runners, we decided to test run the course for Sunday. Even though Fourth of July festivities interfered with our completion of the run, we hope these tips give you a head start.

The race begins at the glass pavilion at North Bank Park, the end of Neil Avenue. Be sure to check in by 7 a.m.! Hopefully there won’t be much Fourth of July celebration debris from the night before, but, on the bright side, the sidewalk chalk art may still be there. If so, take a glance down as you take both sidewalk forks to the left to stay by the river.

The downhill is easy at first, but beware — right after you pass under the railroad bridge be ready to climb the rolling hills of Columbus. Be prepared to share the path with bikers (mostly friendly in our experience).

After you cross the river, follow the path that borders the parking lot of a riverside restaurant. Try to ignore the traffic noise to the right. After your second time around the loop, head back toward the pavilion on the same path you came. Repeat!

Following your second batch of restaurant parking lot loops, when you come by the glass pavilion stay to the right for your finish! Enjoy making convention history.