Church Challenge a New Feature At 7th Annual Run in the Sun
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – With a team registration deadline of July 19, teams are already forming for the 7th Annual Run in the Sun set for Saturday, Aug. 5. A new feature at this year’s 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk to benefit the Hospice Serenity House is the Church Challenge.
According to Mahaska Health Partnership Foundation Chair Sandy Bailey, the Church Challenge is a great opportunity for church families to support their local hospice house. “Many of us have experienced first-hand the incredible service provided at the Serenity House,” Bailey said. “It has been a blessing for more than 500 patients and their loved ones needing specialized, end-of-life care provided by hospice.”
As part of the Church Challenge, the church with the most team members at the 2017 Run in the Sun will receive a plaque on the Hospice Serenity House Donor Wall with their name on it. All teams in attendance will be recognized at the opening ceremony.
“We are encouraging churches to join us as we raise funds for the Serenity House. All ages, abilities and even strollers are welcome,” Bailey stressed. “Last year, more than 300 people participated. The needs are great at the Serenity House, so every person who participates will help make a difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families.”
Run in the Sun is being held at the Stadium of the Lacey Recreation Complex. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a short ceremony starting at 8:15. The races will start at 8:30 am. “We also have a special balloon release as a token of remembrance for those who have lost a loved one,” Bailey said.
Registration for either event is $25 per person, and teams of 10 or more are $20 per person if registered before the July 19. Each participant will receive a commemorative cotton T-shirt the day of the race, as long as their registration is received by July 19. Registrations received after July 19 may need to pick up their T-shirt at MHP on a later date if their size is not available.
According to MHP Marketing and Development Director Cathy Stahl, those wanting to participate in Run in the Sun are also encouraged to register online at mahaskahealth.org. “Registrations will be accepted in the days leading up to the race as well as the morning of until 8:,” Stahl said.
For runners, medals will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers in the following age categories: 11 and under, 12 to 14, 15 to 18, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 and over. All walk participants will receive a ribbon.
“Run in the Sun Committee members are still soliciting local businesses to join other community leaders in sponsoring this great event,” Stahl said. “The MHP Hospice Serenity House is a community resource that will be serving local families for generations to come. We hope people from throughout the community will join us by sponsoring or participating.”
The MHP Foundation was established in 1994 as an independent board and financial resource for the improvement of healthcare at MHP. The foundation led a very successful Capital Campaign in 2008 to build the MHP Hospice Serenity House, raising more than $2.8 million. For more information on Run in the Sun, or to donate directly to the Serenity House or other MHP services, contact Stahl at 641.672.3369.
