Run for the Village is next weekend

By: 
Monika Spaulding, Digital Editor

Ten years ago, when Rachel Manias was planning the first Run for the Village, she had no idea how much the event would grow.

She had learned about Eden Children’s Village after friends, Jeff and Myra Wells, went there during a mission trip. When they returned and gave a presentation about their experience, it made such an impression on Manias that she wanted to do something for the village.

“The race was something that God put on my heart that year after hearing about Eden Children’s Village,” she said. “I knew that God was calling me to support them and their work in some way. It was very evident (and still is) that Jesus is being glorified and lives are being changed for eternity at Eden Children’s Village. With my passion for running, a 5K was a way that I could use what I loved, bring people together in the community, and help support the children of Eden all at once.”

Manias, whose maiden name is Dalton, graduated from Eastern High School in 2011. While still in high school, she started the 5K. That first year, they had 90 participants and raised $1,350.

To date, the race has been able to raise approximately $30,000 to send to Eden.

“In 2016, the race had grown to 150 participants and we raised $5,000,” said Manias. 

This year, her goal is to raise $10,000 and have 200 participants.

One hundred percent of the race profit will benefit Eden Children’s Village, located in Doma, Zimbabwe. Eden’s Children Village, which is part of Eden Ministries, exists to serve AIDS orphans by providing spiritual, physical, medical, emotional and educational assistance in a Christian family setting.

This year’s race will allow Eden to put furniture and supplies in their newly constructed Early Childhood Development Center, scheduled to open in January 2019.

Manias is now a member of Graceland Baptist Church, who became the official sponsor of the Run for the Village this year. It is one of the church’s many recreation ministry projects and they are helping in the organization of the run as well.

Run for the Village 5K run/walk will be held at Eastern High School on Saturday, July 14, at 8 a.m. There is a 1/4 mile kids’ run that begins at 9 a.m.

Early registration is $20 for all entry forms postmarked by July 7. Late/race day registration is $25 for all entry forms postmarked after July 7. All registrations will receive a t-shirt.

The kids run is $10 for all participants.

Awards and door prizes: Overall male and female winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to Pacers and Racers and a ThinkSport bottle. Insulated ThinkSport bottles will be given to the top male/female in each age group. ThinkSport bottles and monetary awards will also be given to the top male and female walkers to finish. Medals will be given to all 1/4 mile kids run participants.

The door prize drawing will follow the race.

Age groups for the race are 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up.

Registration forms are available in the front office at Leader Publishing Company and the Washington County Family YMCA. Participants can also register online at www.runforthevillage5k.org. Questions may be directed to: runforthevillage5K@gmail.com.

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