Mike Wolanin | The Republic Cody Getz, of Columbus, high fives members of the crowd after being announced as the winner of the RAM truck during the Finish on 4th after party following the Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Cody Getz, of Columbus, high fives members of the crowd after being announced as the winner of the RAM truck during the Finish on 4th after party following the Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
A Columbus resident who ran the half-marathon Saturday won the new Dodge Ram pickup truck near the conclusion of the Mill Race Marathon festivities.
The name of Cody Getz, an employee of Cook Medical, was the second name called as the winner of the truck. The first was a Seymour resident, but the rules state you must be present to win, and he was not in the crowd when his name was called.
Getz says he and his wife, Ashley, have a 10-year-old son, Charlie. While Getz said he’s excited about his prize, he’s not sure how the pickup truck will fit in with his family’s lifestyle at this time.
The prize itself is a 2024 Dodge Ram 2500 Tradesman Crew Cab pickup truck with a 6.7 liter Cummins turbo engine. Unlike previous years, the color of the truck was granite metallic.
An online dealership states the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $56,675.
Prior to the giveaway, the classic rock band Vinyl Escape was performing. Most of the people in attendance were enjoying the music while standing under the business awnings along Washington Street and rain and drizzle continued.
It was not until the first speaker of the truck giveaway, Kirk Thomas of Johnson-Witkemper Insurance, took the microphone that the crowd began to inch closer to the stage to find out who would win the truck.
There was a tender moment during the presentation as a short tribute was made to honor the late Kurt Schwarze, the owner of 4th Street Bar and Grill who died unexpectedly last November at the age of 56. His wife, Kelly, received a big hand for continuing to sponsor several events in downtown Columbus.
Columbus Auto Group owner Leo Portaluppi, a sponsor of the truck giveaway, received a loud welcome during the giveaway, and this year, his son also was welcomed with applause. That’s because Columbus North nose tackle Anthony Portaluppi was recognized for making an interception and running 20 yards to score the final touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 51-10 win Saturday against Terre Haute North.
