Run & Walk for Education

The 22^nd was one of the chilliest Saturdays in the month of October. But a little cold air and the early morning hours did not keep any of the over 280 runners and walkers from taking a crack at a “PR” (personal record) at the 1^st annual Run & Walk for ED (education), the bookworm, at St. Mark, Battle Creek. The 5K race, hosted by St. Mark’s Our World for Children, a full-day or part-day childcare and preschool program, raised much-needed funds for area schools.

The atmosphere sharply turned from cheerful “good mornings” and casual mingling to a keen awareness of the task at hand as the Master of Ceremonies, Diane Cox from 107.7 FM, called out: “This is your 10 minute warning. The race will begin in 10 minutes.” 

The runners and walkers began to fill in the starting chute according to speed. If you’ve never participated in one of these races, the idea is that the faster runners line up in the front, with the slower runners behind. I decided I would “man-up” and toe the line next to my strapping young son, Kyle (16), and my fast-footed daughter, Kelsey (13), who were both fresh off cross country seasons. 

The congregational president, Tom Perrone, opened in prayer: giving thanks to the One who gives the runner, and walker, wings so they might soar like eagles. With such exhilarating words, the police-motorcycle escort revved just feet ahead, the siren sounded and the race—it was on!

I have run dozens of races (ultra-marathons, marathons, 5Ks, etc.) and thousands of miles and can tell you that apart from a very brief incline, this was truly a flat and fast course. The course looped around the park, giving participants a chance to cheer one another along as there was a brief overlap. It was a great day for a run. The temperature was a little cooler than hoped, but not noticeable after mile one. There was no wind, the course was awesome, and the spectators and volunteers were very encouraging. Overall winner, Jeff Domenico, whose son attends St. Mark’s Our World for Children, descended upon the finish line in a time of 19:14.9, while the overall female winner, Angela Lemus, finished inside two minutes of Domenico with a time of 21:00.

As St. Mark’s visiting interim pastor, it has been a great joy for me to watch this race committee, the volunteers, the sponsors, the families, the schools of Battle Creek, and the surrounding areas come together to raise support for education. The race was pulled off by a well-organized group of volunteers; but the ability to give such large financial support to schools came from our big-hearted sponsors, whom we offer our sincerest “THANKS.” Through the funds that were given, St. Mark and Our World for Children were able to distribute 50 percent of the proceeds to the following schools: Calhoun Christian, Battle Creek Christian, Minges Brook Elementary, Purdy Elementary, Athens High Track Team, Delton Kellogg, Penfield High, and Wattles Park Elementary. Each school had participants entered in the race qualifying them for a chance to win a percentage of the proceeds for their school of choice.

Oh, you might be wondering how the kids and I did. All I can say is: that strapping young man and fast-footed young lady will have to wait until next year to finish ahead of their “old” dad on this course!

See you NEXT YEAR at the line!