HOULTON, Maine — For those who may have a case of “spring fever,” registrations are now underway for the fourth annual Strong Tower Love Run/Walk slated for Saturday, May 12.
All proceeds from this 5-Kilometer walk/run benefit children at Strong Tower Haiti, a home for orphaned girls supported through Military Street Baptist Church.
“We’ve done this Love Run in different times of the year and had good attendance,” explained Lori Gardiner, a committee chair and board member for Strong Tower. “But this year, we’re really hoping to hit 200 participants. We’re hoping that with spring everyone will be ready to get out the house.”
Gardiner also said they’ve decided to try a different route for the event this year.
Whether you’re walking, running or riding, the fourth annual Love Run/Walk promises to have something for you. This year’s event features a new route and is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, starting at Greater Houlton Christian Academy. Registration runs from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. with the race kicking off at 9 a.m. Pastor Travis Glatter walks with Zoelle and Zalia McGary in last year’s 5K. (Courtesy of Military Street Baptist Church)
“Some people will be glad to hear they don’t have to climb Drake’s Hill,” she added.
Instead of its usual starting line at Military Street Baptist Church, the run and walk fundraiser will start at Greater Houlton Christian Academy. (The starting line was moved this year due to some scheduling conflicts.) Registration will run from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. with the race kicking off at 9 a.m.
The theme for this year’s event is “Defend the Fatherless.”
“The Love Run and Walk helps fund all the care we give the girls at Strong Tower,” explained Gardiner, “But it also helps bring awareness to the plight of the fatherless and how we as Christians are called to defend the fatherless.”
Through their work with Strong Tower Haiti, Military Street Baptist Church (along with First United Methodist Church in Missouri) currently supports 19 girls, a project they’ve been tackling since 2011.
“These girls are all sisters, thriving and doing well,” Gardiner added. “They’re growing up in the love of Christ, in family. They receive education, medical care, meals, clothing and love. And, if desired, they will go onto college or trade school to help them be successful in their own country.”
Making a difference in someone’s life (and in your daily step goals) won’t be hard for those who sign up for this event. Cost is $20 per person or $65 for a family. (Family registration includes three t-shirts). In addition to t-shirts for participants, registration also includes light refreshments and awards for runners.
Participants should register by April 29 to guarantee a t-shirt.
To pre-register for the Love Run, visit strongtowerhaiti.com or stop by Military Street Baptist Church, 307 Military St., Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, call the church at 532-2783.
