Tim Menoher, of Erlanger, travels around the world competing in races and triathlons but still manages to find the time to help in the community. One project that has become particularly important to him is the Kenton County Public Library Foundation’s Racing to Read 5K Run & Walk, presented by U.S. Bank.
Menoher, senior director of sales for U.S. Bank Payment Solutions, has placed in races and triathlons all over the country. He ran professional for Brooks Running for three years. He earned third place in the inaugural flying pig in 1999, first place in the Heart Mini Marathon in 2000, has finished in the top 10 several times at the National Off Road Triathlon Championship in Tahoe and much more.
Although Menoher has participated in races all over the country, and even in other countries, and has had features written on him by national sporting publications and USA Today, he manages to stay modest. He teamed up with the Kenton Public Library three years ago to help the Library make its race the premier race in Northern Kentucky.
"We had over 700 people participate last year, the fifth year for the race," says Robin Klaene, public relations and development director for the Library. "Tim’s race experience and knowledge has helped this event grow over the years and become a race that people can’t wait to participate in."
Menoher started running track in the ninth grade to get in shape for football. He was good and kept with it so he could attend Eastern Kentucky University on a running scholarship.
"After college it became more for me than just competing," says Menoher. "Running is a way for me to relax and clear the mind. So I now run for relaxation and do multi sport races for the adventure and it gives me a reason to travel."
Although he has traveled to Australia, Canada and the Caribbean for competitions, Lake Tahoe is his favorite place yet. Menoher says running definitely has its health benefits but there is more to it than that.
"I would tell beginners don’t look at running as a reason to get in shape, but use it as a way to relax, to be social, to travel and to challenge yourself," he says. "Getting in shape is a by-product. Find the enjoyment and the sense of accomplishment first."
The race benefits the Library’s Racing to Read program, an early childhood literacy initiative designed to introduce books and the love of reading to children in local preschools, day cares and Head Start centers. Library staff travel throughout Kenton County in the Read Racer, a NASCAR-inspired RV outfitted with shelves of books. Children climb aboard to select and check out books during the Read Racer’s monthly visits to centers. Over 2,500 children and their families in Kenton County benefit from this program.
