Three local youngsters are organizing a 5k run/walk to help support the educational, health and physical needs of an eight-year-old girl from across the globe who they sponsor.

 

The event is called Glow The Distance 5K and will take place June 6 at 8:30 p.m. at the Church of Mary of the Visitation. The race will be run in the twilight and participants are encouraged to bring glow sticks and wear as many glow items as possible.

 

Kaitlyn Yoerg, 22, her younger sister, Jackie, 12, and their cousin, Jackie Sewall, 21 are hosts of the event and sponsors of the little girl, Helen, from the African country of Ethiopia. The idea of a race was conceived because Helen’s favorite activity is running. She lives in a poverty stricken community that is at risk of HIV/Aids. All of the proceeds of this event will go directly to Helen and the community she lives in.

 

The Yoergs and Sewall sponsor Helen through Compassion International, a Christian child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world.

 

Kaitlyn was a gifted athlete when she attended Becker High School and was one of the school’s top runners in track and cross country. Following graduation in 2011, she went on to run at Augustana where she excelled on the cross country team. To host a 5K race of any kind is not much of a stretch for Kaitlyn and she has always been looking for ways to use her passion for running to help serve others.

 

“When we received (Helen’s) packet we found that her favorite activity is running and so we thought it would be awesome to raise money for her by putting on a 5K,” said Kaitlyn.

 

Jamie is a graphic design major and she used her skills and talent to put together the website, flyers and t-shirts for the community event.

 

The “glow” idea for the race came from Kaitlyn and Jackie’s aunt who thought it would be a great idea to have a race run at night with glow sticks.

 

The event will also feature an incredible array of spectacular musicians and singers from Becker and the surrounding areas. Jill Zimmerman, Joey Perry, John Hollingsworth, Jordan Maiers and several other stars including Anna Perry, Mari Liestman and Cody Sakry.

 

They will be playing music from all genres including great classic rock tunes (from bands like: Journey, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Kansas, Pink Floyd); country tunes (Charlie Daniels, Zach Brown, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band); progressive rock tunes (Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Wolf Mother); pop tunes  (Smash Mouth, Ben Folds, Evanescence, Ed Sheeran) and some Christian contemporary (Indee, Fold and even several originals).

 

Gold sponsors for the event are: Buccholz Media, Glass Werks, Pizza Depot, Red Balloon, Mainstreet Music and Electronics, Winnelson, Viking Coca-Cola and Dave’s Concrete. Silver sponsors are: St. Lukes Knights of Columbus, WW Thompson, Anytime Fitness-Becker, Signco and Salon Progressive.

 

The Yoerg and Sewall girls were hoping to get at least 50-80 people signed up for the race and they were hoping to raise at least $500-$700 to send to Helen. So far, as of this week, they’ve signed up over 120 runner/walkers with people still registering.

 

“It’s been really neat to see things coming together in ways we didn't expect and we’re grateful for our generous sponsors,” said Kaitlyn. “We would love to get as many participants involved in the event as we can.”

 

For those who want to help out but don’t want to run or walk, Yoerg says there are lots of opportunities for volunteers to make the day special.

 

“The main jobs we have for volunteers would be setting up, course control or tearing down after the event is over,” she said. “We also hope to have people stationed around the course cheering and encouraging the participants as they go by.”

 

The Glow The Distance 5K will help with educational, health and physical needs of Helen and her family’s community. Through the three Becker girl’s support, Helen is also receiving spiritual growth as she attends Bible studies and church through Compassion International. 

 

Visit www.glowthedistance.weebly.com for more information and to register. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children under 12. Early registrants will receive glow sticks, a t-shirt and a runner’s bag.