St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Spring Mill Rd., will host the third annual Born2Run 5K on Aug. 23, with proceeds benefiting women and families facing crisis pregnancies.
The annual fundraiser, which also includes a health and fitness expo this year, has been steadily increasing its financial contributions and participants each year. Nevertheless, race director Jon Schackmuth said USA Track & Field Indiana’s selection of the race as the official 5 KM championship represents a critical turning point for the charitable event.
“Having USATF Indiana select our race as an official 5 KM championship elevates the experience, allowing competitive and recreational runners and walkers alike to test their resolve on together,” stated Schackmuth. “Not only will our course be certified, but the race will also include division classifications, cash and door prizes, USATF Indiana Association Championship medals, and other key components that most serious runners expect.”
Schackmuth said the true reward of participating in the Born2Run 5K is the opportunity it provides to the pro-life efforts of the Great Lakes Gabriel Project and 1st Choice for Women. Both organizations offer assistance to women and families facing difficult or unplanned pregnancies where volunteers work tirelessly to find and facilitate financial, medical and other support needed to help ensure a positive long-term outcome for baby and mother. Schackmuth said the groups are trying to raise funds to outfit a mobile ultrasound unit and is hopeful monies raised via the Born2Run 5K will make a significant impact toward this project.
There will be two sets of runners/walkers at the event – Family 5K Run, Walk, Crawl and USATF 5 KM Championship Runners. Non-USATF Indiana members and recreational runners/walkers are encouraged to participate. There will be awards and prizes for each division.
Sign-in and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 23 with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m. and awards at 10:30 a.m.
Deadline for championship registration is Aug. 20 and the race registration deadline is Aug. 21. Schackmuth said “walk-ups” will be accepted. For more information, register or volunteer, visit born2run5k.org.
