Run In The Sun Continues Successful Tradition

Honoring and remembering those that lost was the motivation for many at Saturday’s ‘Run in the Sun’.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The weather was nearly perfect for the 6th annual Mahaska Health Partnership ‘Run in the Sun’ on Saturday.

The 5k and 1 mile event raised money for the Serenity Hospice House located on the MHP campus. The 5k and 1 mile event brought people from different competitive levels. Some take the 5k seriously, while others show up and participate to help raise awareness and to show support for the hospice facility.

“It’s just a fantastic event”, said MHP Marketing Director Cathy Stahl on Saturday, which featured some cooler temps and some partly cloudy weather that helped to make the morning comfortable.

Stahl spoke about the generosity of the 42 corporate sponsors that made the event possible, and singled out a very generous donation by Mahaska Rural Water. The $5000.00 donation will go to help make those services and amenities at the Serenity House available to those in time of need.

Along with that donation, over $15,000.00 has been raised from corporate donations.

Stahl said with nearly 300 participants this year, those entry fees will also be able to help fund the hospice service. Several teams of participants come together to show support for loved ones that have passed away and, in turn, their support for the Serenity House was for them.

Mahaska Health Partnership CEO Jay Christensen said that beyond the money raised, the increased awareness of what hospice means for families is also an important component of the day. “It’s really meaningful for me personally” says Christensen, who lost his father nearly five years ago.

“As a whole, it’s just a great event for what we do”, added Christensen.