J. Couch Race to Join Harvest on the Ridge

J. Couch Race to Join Harvest on the Ridge

 “Wanted,”Sparta Rugby coach, football coach and community leader, Greg Peak, announced at a recent Concert in the Park as a 1960’s era green couch rolled around the bandshell, “Old Runners.  Fast Couches.”  The crowd giggled and cheered as they looked on to see Rotary President Tom Dupont lying on the couch being pushed around on wheels and four team mates.  The J. Couch Race, Peak commented, is a unique and fun family fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society and local families affected by Lymphoma.  The race is scheduled as part of the Harvest on the Ridge Festival on September 17.  “The J. Couch Race will delight spectators with fast, funny, & uniquely created couches— all on wheels— as their five person teams race downtown Sparta on North Union Street,” Greg added to the crowd.

Peak was inspired by a friend, John Couch, who was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma to start a fundraiser for the Lymphoma Society.  The event came to a surprise to John.  “I had no idea what he was doing”, Couch said.  “One day, Greg called me up and asked, ‘Hey, can I use your name?’.  Greg is a pretty trustworthy guy, so my immediate response was ‘sure’.”  At that point Peak started explaining to Couch the details and inspiration behind for the J. Couch Race in honor of John Couch himself.  “He was talking 100 miles a minute and finally I simply said, ‘Greg, go ahead, I trust you.” 

With the go-ahead, Peak began pulling other community leaders and building excitement.  What started as a brainstorm by Greg Peak has turned into an event the community is rallying around.  Teams are already signing up to build their couches and talking about their creative costumes they are going to create for the 150 yard race.  Fundraising will include donations and support from businesses and families in addition to the crowd participants purchasing a vote for the People’s Choice and Best Decorated couches.  A traveling Trophy will be awarded to the “fastest” Couch Team.  Registration forms are located at www.spartachamber.com.