Run, so kids can have shoes
Photo courtesy Colene Hotmer Kids are off and running in a previous "Run 2 Summer" youth race.
The ninth annual "Run 2 Summer" is set for July 24 at Volunteer Park in Spirit Lake.
Proceeds support the nonprofit "Running Shoes 4 Kids," which provides just what it says, running shoes for kids and encourages a fun, healthy lifestyle.
"We're empowering kids to do good," said Colene Hotmer, RS4K founder and president.
There will be four distances: quarter mile, half mile, one mile and 5k. A total of 50 pairs of shoes will be given away.
There will also be prizes, activities, vendors and everyone gets a coupon for a free ice cream cone.
Starting with just a few runners receiving shoes, the RS4K program has now gifted just over 900 pairs of running shoes.
Kids are recognized for exhibiting acts of kindness, turning in homework and focusing on resilience in themselves and others.
Hotmer said she'll never forget the first boy she presented with a pair of running shoes and what he said: "Now, I can run really fast."
"Everybody likes a new pair of shoes," she said.
More than 100 adults and kids turned out for the fun run last year and Hotmer said they're hoping to top that this year.
She also issued a challenge to any runner to come out and complete all four distances.
The races begin at 10:30 a.m.
To register: www.runningshoes4kids.com/