Fourth Annual Mission Hills 5k Run/Walk Returns Saturday, April 6th
Last year’s Mission Hills 5k attracted nearly 750 participants of all ages and athletic abilities, raising more than $15,000 for STEAM programs at Grant K-8.
The fourth consecutive year, the annual Mission Hills 5k will return at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 6. Promising fun for the whole family, this run/walk will wind through the scenic, historic neighborhood of Mission Hills, beginning and ending at Grant K-8 (1425 Washington Place). Runners of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to register at www.missionhills5k.com.
All proceeds will help fund Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programs at Grant K-8. Thanks to an enthusiastic response from the local community each year, the Mission Hills 5k has already raised more than $35,000 for our local public school, funding microscopes, bullfrogs for dissection, continuing education for teachers, the Mystery Science online program, engineering workshops, topographical globes, laser thermometers, supplies for Science Night, and much more.
This year’s event is already off to a running start, with planners anticipating up to 1,000 participants. Community leaders have once again gone above and beyond to make this event possible. For the first time, this year’s event has not one, but three Platinum Sponsors—The Lombardi Team, The Patio Group and US Bank—who collectively contributed a record-breaking $18,000.
Other local business leaders generously supporting the race at the Gold, Silver and Bronze levels include Canale Communications, Morgan Stanley, Fenn Orthodontics, Realtor Brian Cane, Professional Maintenance Systems, Chism Brothers Painting, Mission: Fit, Tangerine Salon and Dixie Pops. Businesses can learn more about sponsoring the event and gaining valuable marketing exposure by emailing info@missionhills5k.com.
“Thanks to the community’s overwhelming support of the Mission Hills 5k, including sponsors, volunteers and participants, Grant K-8 is emerging as a science and technology leader among local public schools,” says Kristin Boyd, a member of the Grant School Community Foundation and one of the event organizers.
Close attention has once again been given to the route for this annual event. Event organizers are working hand-in-hand with city event planners to ensure maximum accessibility for residents, visitors and emergency responders. Advisory/no parking signs will be placed along the route two weeks before the event, and race volunteers will place door hanger reminders at every home along the route. Barricades will ensure a clear map route and trained personnel will be available throughout the route to direct race participants and traffic. As always, neighbors along and near the route are encouraged to join the fun, either by registering for the race or cheering on participants as they pass by.
“The Mission Hills 5k unites our local community in achieving a healthy, fun-filled goal: reaching the finish line, together,” says Jennifer Benson, one of the event organizers. “While the event raises much-needed funds for our local public school, it also plays a much larger role in bringing neighbors, families and classmates of all ages together for a common cause.”
Entry fees are $35/adult and $25/child, which includes a Mission Hills 5k t-shirt and medal for all registrants 15 and under. A limited number of registrations will be available the morning of the race for $45/adult and $35/child, though t-shirts are not guaranteed for registrations after March 19. Participants are encouraged to form teams to add to the friendly competition and fun-filled spirit of the event. To register individually or form a team (or join a team that has already been created), log on to www.missionhills5k.com.
Race packet pick-up will be held at the Mission Hills Wine Cellar (1624 West Lewis) on Friday, April 5. Post-race festivities will include activities, refreshments, music and giveaways on the blacktop at Grant K-8. More details will be announced in the weeks ahead. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date.
Category: Education, Events, Local News
