Church Challenge a Part of Run in the Sun on Aug. 4

Run In The Sun 2017 (submitted photo)

Run In The Sun 2017 (submitted photo)

MAHASKA COUNTY – The 8th Annual MHP Foundation Run in the Sun is set for Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Lacey Recreation Complex Community Stadium. Proceeds from this 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk will benefit the MHP Hospice Serenity House.

According to MHP Foundation Chair Sandy Bailey, this is the second year of the Church Challenge, where the church with the most team members will receive a plaque on the Hospice Serenity House Donor Wall. The winner of last year’s Church Challenge, with 17 members, was Central United Methodist Church.

Bailey said 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 shared. “It’s been a blessing for more than 500 patients needing specialized, end-of-life care provided by hospice. We are encouraging local and regional churches to join us as we raise funds for the Serenity House. All ages, abilities and even strollers are welcome.”

Last year, more than 300 people participated in Run in the Sun. Bailey said 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. Bailey said that this year, a Snapchat filter for the event has been added, and a giant Run in the Sun photo frame will be available for those wanting to take pictures at the event.

As part of the opening ceremony, a special balloon release will be held. Participants are encouraged to write the name of a loved one to honor and remember on the balloon. Bailey said it is a very moving ceremony. “You don’t have to participate in the race to attend the opening ceremony as it is free and open to all. We are extending a special invitation to family of hospice patients.”

Due to road construction around the stadium, this year’s route is being changed but the starting location remains the stadium. Participants are asked to park in the Visitor’s Parking Lot on the east side of the stadium. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a short ceremony at 8:15 am. The races will start at 8:30 am.

Registration for either the 5K Run or the 1 Mile Walk is $25 per person. Teams of 10 or more are $20 per person if registered before July 18. Same day registration is $30. All teams of 10 or more, including teams participating in the Church Challenge, will be announced during the opening ceremony if registered before the July 18 deadline.

Each participant will receive a hot pink commemorative, soft spun cotton T-shirt the day of the race, as long as their registration is received by July 18. Registrations received after July 18 may need to pick up their T-shirt at MHP on a later date if their size is not available at the race.

According to MHP Foundation Director Cathy Stahl, those wanting to participate in Run in the Sun are also encouraged to register online at mahaskahealth.org. “Online registration is open now, but will be taken down on Wednesday, Aug. 1,” Stahl said. “After that, participants will need to do same day registration at the stadium prior to the race.”

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 continue to solicit 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 invite those from throughout the community to join us by sponsoring or participating.”

For more information on Run in the Sun, or to donate directly to the Serenity House or other MHP services, contact Stahl at 641.676.7146.

Posted by on Jun 16 2018. Filed under Events, Lifestyle, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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