In December 2018, Fishers resident Jay Eiteljorge became an ambassador for Mission 22, a nonprofit that provides programs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. Also the organizer of the Fishers Running Club, Eiteljorge decided to organize a 5K run to benefit Mission 22.
“I didn’t serve (in the military) but my dad did and a lot of friends I have known through high school are currently serving and other family members served, so I’m trying to support them anyway I can, and this seemed like a good cause to get behind,” he said.
Run for Hope is a timed race, but Eiteljorge said people are welcome to walk. There also will be an untimed 1-mile route. The run is at 9 a.m. Oct. 6 on the paved trails at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Rd., Lawrence. The 5K is $30 and the 1-mile run is $15. Registration closes Sept. 15. Park admission is $7. Annual state park passes are accepted..
Eiteljorge said he wants to make Run for Hope an annual event. He does not have a fundraising goal for the first event.
“We tried to keep expenses low,” said Eiteljorge, who said the Financial Center First Credit Union in Lawrence is the title sponsor. “There’s a bunch of smaller sponsors to help offset the costs. We want as much of the registration fees to go to Mission 22 as possible. We want that many people there to learn about Mission 22, and to get the awareness is just as important, if not more important, than the $30 we get from each registration.”
For more or to register, visit secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=MTU0NzQ3Mjk4MDQ5NTXV8lMABmxaVjMk.
