On Saturday, August 10, over 250 walkers and runners gathered in Becker for the 14th annual Hustle Hustle 5K to raise money for students in Haiti.

For Haitian Hustle founder Dawn Bengtson, this year’s race felt extra special, since friends from Haiti were actually present to take part in the day.

“I think the fact that our theme verse was about gospel partnership and our partners were literally there made it even more impactful,” she said.

One of these partners present at the Hustle was Roger Carole, director of operations for Jesus in Haiti Ministries (JiHM), who gave a heartfelt thank you after the race. Roger relocated his family from Haiti to Becker last spring out of concerns for their safety, but he continues to travel to Haiti to lead JiHM, despite the danger from rampant gang violence.

The race, which is coordinated by Becker Evangelical Free Church and hosted by Becker Baptist Church, winds through Becker with members of several Becker sports teams and other community members lining the race path to cheer on the participants.

A new Hustle record was set this year by Tyson Ricker of Becker, winning with a time of 15:46, followed by Alex Swanson of Becker (16:59) and Levi Vanderlinden of Monticello.

Lorelei Swanson of Becker finished in first place for the ladies with a time of 23:03, followed by Julia Bengtson of Becker (23:40) in second. Ayla Brown of Becker repeated her third place finish from last year with a time of 23:43.

Kids 10 and under participated in their own races following the awards ceremony for the 5K.

Bengtson, a Becker resident, started the Haitian Hustle in 2011 after her second trip to Haiti. The race raises money to support the education of nearly 400 students in Haiti through Jesus in Haiti Ministries, and has expanded to three other locations in the US, as well as a virtual race with participants across the country. 

Later this month, some of the students who benefit from the race will have their own Hustle in Arcahaie, Haiti, where JiHM continues to operate a school despite losing its own property to gangs in April 2023.

Thanks to registrants, donors and sponsors, this year’s race raised nearly $20,000 to support JiHM’s efforts to continue providing education and relief for students whose families have been displaced and lost their livelihoods.

Next year’s Hustle will take place in Becker in August 2025. For more information, visit www.haitianhustle.com.