Published: May 09, 2008 11:15 am         

5-K race, one mile walk planned

The fifth annual AmazinGrace 5-K Run/Walk and One-Mile Fun Walk will take place May 17 at Grace Community Church, with 400 people — “some fast, some slow, and some just barely making it — all working together to make a difference in students’ lives,” according to a release from the church.

“This race is designed for the novice runner or walker and also for those who run competitively. We want everyone in our community to know they are invited to participate,” said the Rev. Jim Brown, lead pastor at Grace Community Church.

All proceeds from the race will be donated to provide scholarships for needy students who are enrolled at The Crossing Education Center in Goshen and surrounding communities.

The Crossing enrolls students who are struggling in the traditional school setting. The Crossing is now partnering with the Work Release Center and has started a program to educate inmates as well.

The Crossing Education Center officials anticipate enrolling 400 students this next year in Ligonier, Middlebury, Goshen, Elkhart and South Bend.

“The Crossing Education Center just gets it. They understand the needs of youth who don’t fit into the traditional school system, Brown said.“They meet them where they’re at and equip them physically, spiritually and educationally to be the next world-changers.”

The cost to enter the AmazinGrace is $10 through today. All registered runners/walkers will receive an AmazinGrace T-shirt. After today, the registration cost is $15 and runners will not be guaranteed a T-shirt. Runners may also register onsite the day of the race for a cost of $20.

The race course for the 5k run/walk will run through Meadowridge and Orchard subdivisions in Goshen as well as parts of C.R.s 38 and 21 in Goshen. The 5-K race will begin at 10 a.m., with the one-mile fun walk taking place at 10:05 a.m.

After the race is completed, a variety of pastries, granola bars, fresh fruit, Gatorade and water will be served to all who participated. Once all runners and walkers have completed the course, door prizes including hotel stays and restaurant gift certificates will be announced, with anyone who entered the race being eligible.

The final race results will be announced in each age category and medals will be presented to the first-place winner in each category. Medals and gift certificates to the Foot Locker will be presented to the overall winners in the male and female category.

“We hope to have over 400 entries this year,” Brown said. “We are excited to be able to offer such a fun event to our community and those who live nearby. We look forward to this event each year. Combining a fun and challenging course with being able to help provide scholarships for needy students, makes this race a great return on your investment.”

Runners and walkers of all ages can register by stopping by Grace Community Church, just south of Goshen Middle School and picking up an entry form or they can also go to The Web site www.gracecommunity-church.com and print out a pdf of the entry form. For more information, contact the church office at 533-7546 and ask for Craig Koble.

To Register