Since 2015, thousands of Hamiltonians and more have been walking and running on Thanksgiving Day in support of a group called YoungLives. That effort will not stop this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing other activities to be canceled.
YoungLives is an affiliate of Young Life, a non-denominational Christian organization that serves high school students. Volunteer coordinator Faye Meyer says YoungLives provides mentorship to teen moms, helps to build relationships and offers guidance in matters of faith.
“YoungLives provides a community to young moms who are typically isolated from their high school peers and gives them hope for their future. This investment of time and heart has empowered positive, sustainable change in the lives of these beautiful families,” Meyer said.
Her friend Katie Powers invited her to join her in creating the Thanksgiving 5K for YoungLives to support the cause and involve locals, helping shed light on the ministry.
For 2020, the race will look a little different: There will be corrals of up to 75 people with staggered starts every 30 seconds. This will allow participants to cross the starting line and avoid colliding with the first finishers. And there is a cap of 2,000 participants in total.
More about the 2020 live race safety plan may be found online at hamiltonthanksgiving5k.org/safety.
There is also a virtual option: Participants may run the race on their own between Nov. 25 and Nov. 29. Results will be submitted online.
This race will begin at 9 a.m. at Marcum Park in Hamilton. Prior to that is a free Kids Fun Run — a mini-race for children younger than 5, ages 5-7 and ages 8-10. Kids who participate will start in front of the Courtyard Marriott. They will receive a treat and there is a prize for the top male and female.
When participants finish at the park there will be music with a DJ, pre-packed food and awards.
“As the only Thanksgiving Day race in Butler County, we’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth from year to year. It’s exciting to welcome back so many repeat participants and meet new people from all over the country who come to participate with their families,” Meyer said.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Visit www.hamiltonthanksgiving5k.org to sign up and look for volunteer opportunities. The deadline to register is Nov. 26.