WISE will be hosting its seventh annual 5k walk and run fundraising event on May 30.
Check-in time will be at 8:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 9:15 a.m. The race will start at Northend Park, heading north on the Riverwalk and through the White Pine Trail. Maps will be provided to participants, with mapped out volunteer areas and two water stations.
The top three racers will receive prizes, and all participants, including virtual participants, will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize.
WISE Event committee member and Academic Advisor Sandra Worth spoke more about the importance of this annual 5k event and how it helps the WISE organization and the Mecosta community.
“WISE has two annual events to help raise money and awareness. In the time that I’ve been on the board, this 5k run and walk has been a part of it, as well as the golf outing that usually takes place in the summer,” Worth said.
Funding raised from this event will go towards upkeeping the shelter, with home goods and food. The money raised also helps WISE put on events for those who stay at the shelter. The rest of the funding will be used to provide services that are beyond the shelter, such as counseling.
“These events are more helpful than ever, because there’s a little uncertainty with grants and funding, with how things in the government are going. The 5k event is a great way to promote awareness of our organization and [connect] more with the community,” Worth said.
There is a virtual participation option for anyone who wants to participate and do so on their own time. Those who are participating virtually can keep track of their distance and report back on or before May 30. Virtual participants are encouraged to use tracking apps or personal devices to keep track of their distance.
WISE Event committee member and Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religions, Dr. Sarah Lucas, spoke more on her own experience with the virtual race and how it can be more helpful and accessible.
“I did [virtual] in 2020, you just report your run time, sort of like a log. If you ordered a shirt, then you’d get that shirt mailed to you and you can wear it when you do the race,” Lucas said. “When my mom did it, she knew that she wasn’t going to do the whole 5k all at once, but she did know that her distance would add up. She just ended up logging her combined time and distance the week preceding the race.”
Participants can register to join up till the day of the event and race shirts will be first come first serve. Those who have already registered for the event prior to April 28 are guaranteed a race shirt upon participation. Registration fee is $30 for adults, $20 for students with their student ID and free for all children 1o and under.
For individuals who are not able to join the race but still want to help, can visit https://wiseagainstviolence.org/, where you can donate to help support the cause, or donate essential items from their item wishlist. If you would like to volunteer for this event, you can sign up on their webpage.
Any additional questions can be emailed to do****@*****************ce.org.