‘Run for the Prize’ to benefit North Kent Service Center

American record-breaking champion Dathan Ritzenhein isn’t the only person from Rockford who loves to run. The eighth annual Run for the Prize, hosted by Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, last year raised an amazing $3,500 to donate to the North Kent Service Center. With requests for help at an all-time high at the service center, lacing up and hitting the streets—either running or walking—has never been more important. The annual 5K run is Saturday, September 12, with packet pickup and late registration on Friday, September 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 12 at 7 a.m. Pre-register by visiting cosrock.org or goracego.com. The race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Pastor Thomas Martin is excited to offer the race as a fundraiser for the service center, which helps so many of our neighbors in need here in our own community. “I know that all of us have been greatly affected by the current economic conditions,” Martin said. “The North Kent Service Center is standing there in the midst of it all, trying to meet the many needs of the families in the area who are struggling.”

Martin said many in the community may not realize that the church has been holding this run for seven years. Each year 100 percent of proceeds has gone to the center. Participating in the walk/run or making a donation can make a big difference to a family struggling to pay bills and put food on the table.

The event features post-race refreshments and awards for the overall male and female and top two finishers in each age division. A Little Tykes dash takes place for children 6 and under at 9:30 a.m. There is no charge to enter the Tykes race, and every child will receive a ribbon. There is free childcare for infants and toddlers for those who register for the race. The cost for the 5K race is just $25. Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church is located at 4610 Belding Road, just off Wolverine Blvd.