OBLONG, IL—COVID-19 and social distancing regulations forced changes to the original plan, but the annual Race for the Kids will still be offered this spring as a fundraiser for the Oblong Children’s Christian Home. The event, which has always provided participants the choice of 5K or duathlon, will now be conducted virtually. Registered participants may choose to run either race on any day between June 6 and June 13; the course and start time are theirs to set. Commemorative t-shirts will be mailed to participants within one month of the originally scheduled race day, June 6.
For 12 years, the Race for the Kids has been held in Hutsonville, IL. Courses are marked for both a 5K and a duathlon, and those races traditionally began at 8:00 a.m. This year, no horn will sound in Hutsonville on the first Saturday in June. Instead, participants are encouraged to run/bike wherever they chooseand compete virutally.
Race Director, Amy Kemp explains, “A 5K is 3.1 miles. Mark that out on the roadways where you live, if you’d like, or even run it using the course that we have traditionally marked in Hutsonville, IL, if you are a repeat runner and know your way. Let your Garmin watch keep track for you. Or, if the duathlon is your choice, remember that our race includes a 2-mile run, followed by a 20-mile bike ride, followed by another 2-mile run. Where you complete that course is entirely up to you. You can finish these races (one OR the other) VIRTUALLY anywhere!” All information about this virtual race is spelled out on the Home’s website (www.oblongchristianhome.org; click on Events).
Generous local businesses have pledged support to the ministry and are underwriting the costs of the commemorative shirts, which will be mailed to participants after the race. Participants will want to include their t-shirt size when they register to participate. Registration is $25 per person, and can be completed online from the website.
“We’re excited about turning lemons into lemonade with this virtual event. If you are a Facebook user, participate in the discussion of the Race for the Kids Facebook event from the Children’s Home page. Post pictures of your training or leave encouragement for others who are choosing to exercise and competeduring this shelter-in-place. There are many ways to connect, exercise, and bless the ministry with your athleticism and determination. As a race director, even I get to participate this year!” Kemp remarked.
All proceeds from the Race for the Kids will benefit the Oblong Children’s Christian Home. The Children’s Home is a non-profit home that houses at-risk, troubled, and neglected children. In existence since 1969, the ministryprovides homes with unconditional love, teaches God’s truth to the residents, and develops each child’s unique strengths.
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