All summer in Minnesota there are opportunities to walk or run for a good cause. In some cases people get together in teams and ask their friends and family to sponsor them by making a donation. In other cases the entry fees for races becomes revenue for the charity sponsoring the event. This summer in Hutchinson, MN there will be several of those opportunities. I have chosen to participate in two of those.
The first event is a 5K run/walk. I am not in shape for the running so I will be walking. My son will also be walking with me. The event is sponsored by Common Cup. This group represents many of the churches in Hutchinson and Glencoe. Their purpose is to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of those who live in the area. They collect and distribute food, diapers, school supplies, and coats to those in need. The 5K is always on the second weekend in May. Participants who register early receive a discount and are guaranteed to receive a shirt and a backpack. I missed the deadline for registering early. It just didn't seem like May was ever going to reach Minnesota. My son and I are making a $40 contribution to help our community.
The second event will be in October. This is a 5K Family Fun Run/Walk. Perhaps by then I will be able to run (my son hopes so). It is called the Spooky Sprint. During this run participants are encouraged to wear costumes. The event is sponsored by local businesses and is organized by the High School REACH team. This group provides academic, social, and emotional support to students who might otherwise drop out of school. REACH is an acronym for the goals they set for students in the program; Relationships, Education, Accountability, Character, and Hard Work.
Being a participant in a 5K race is not a huge time commitment. It does require some financial contribution but no more than what is spent each month on a gym membership. The benefits, besides supporting the community, are staying fit and making new friends. Those who are athletes also have a way to train. In Hutchinson, a small town of just over 14,000 people I found two races that directly benefit community organizations. If I expanded the search I could probably run every weekend! So get going!!!
