Annual 5K run/walk promotes health, wellness

The Missouri Southern Student Nurses Association will be holding its fourth annual 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the cross country track.

“Having this event helps to promote health and wellness,” said Michelle Robison, senior nursing major.

Although the turnouts for the previous three walk/run events have been low, Robison hopes for a high turnout.

“Our goal this year is to have 100 registrants,” she said. “Right now we have 20, which is more than we had last year.”

Even though the early registration deadline was yesterday, there is still time to sign up for the event. Late registration will begin at 7 a.m. at the cross country track. Fees for the event are $8 for students in Kindergarten through high school, $10 for Southern students, and for those adults registering today or tomorrow, the fee is $15.

Everyone who participates in the event will receive a race packet, which includes information on health and wellness, granola bars, tootsie rolls and various donated items.

The winners in each age category will receive a prize and medals.

“Some of our sponsors this year include Freeman Health System, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, McCune Brooks Hospital and R & B Trophies,” Robison said.

The award presentations are scheduled for approximately 9:15 a.m. Bananas, bagels and juice will be provided after the event for the participants.

As of press time, the National Weather Service in Springfield is forecasting a 30 percent chance of showers tomorrow.

“As of now, we have no plans to reschedule the event. We haven’t been anticipating any bad weather,” Robison said.

For information on the 5K run/walk, persons may contact Southern nursing instructor and Student Nurses Association sponsor Sheila Hart at 625-9630.