Feet First & Rescue Mission 5K

5Ks around the country are a dime a dozen. All 3.1 miles. Many for great causes.

You can get a little exercise — and feel good knowing part of your race fee helps people affected by, well, practically any known condition.

 

But, here in Winston-Salem, NC, we have a truly special treat in Fleet Feet’s Mission 5K. All proceeds from this race are split between the 120-bed Rescue Mission in the city and Feet First, a project that fits the homeless and needy with new and like-new running shoes.

 

In addition to providing the men with clothing, food, and shelter, The Rescue Mission also provides Christian counseling, life skills classes and job training. Plus, every Monday and Thursday morning, Samaritan Medical Clinics orchestrates medical care for the uninsured on a first come, first serve basis.

One of the benefits of Chris’ role here at Wake is the flexibility to be able to volunteer at this clinic a couple times a month. So one of the coolest parts of the race for him is seeing the guys from the mission both taking part in and volunteering at the race.

 

 

And yes, they’re running in their newly fitted race shoes they received through Feet First. Keith and Emily Davis, owners of the local Feet Fleet, put their Christian hearts for helping others into this project four years ago and have done nothing but amazing things since then.

 

I’ve seen firsthand the need for this project delivering appropriate footwear. When I helped coach a running program at a Latino Community Services nonprofit, girls would show up in clogs, flip flops, and ballet flats. Now, with the help of this charity, these girls can run without the danger of injuries from unsafe shoe options.

Thousands of people, who otherwise wouldn’t, now have well-fitting shoes to wear whether they workout or not.

 

And then, there’s the race itself. From the opening group prayer, to the Scripture verses posted along the course, it’s obvious this 5K is all about loving others and loving Jesus.

People can even pin extra race bibs to their backs with prayer requests. This weekend, I prayed for Warren, and Zena, and Dave. I obviously don’t know their situations, but someone thought they needed a little extra prayer today. Message sent.

 

This year’s race was particularly fun for Chris and me. We had a “date morning” (thanks to the grandparents being here to watch the boys), enjoyed our free post-race Chick-fil-A sandwiches with friends (thanks CfA at Thruway), and both got to bring home age group awards — Mason jars with Colossians 3:17 on them (of course!)

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

My biggest regret of the day? I had already put my phone away when the Chick-fil-A mascots led the group in pre-race “cow-isthenics”! (Thank you, Phillip Summers for the pun 🙂 )

 

And, this may be the most unique feature of all —- Mission Pizza Napoletana, with a WALK-THRU pizza window, just shy of the finish line. (Come on, Peyton, missed opportunity, friend! 🙂 )

 

So, even though there are a million choices for 5K races out there, we’ll always put our feet forward to support this one here!