(Chelsea Update would like to thank Linda Detterman for the information in this story.)
Everyone is invited to join in the fun of a Run S’More 5K, a “virtual” event to support two great causes — Boy Scout Troop 476 and UMAISE, the University of Michigan Adaptive & Inclusive Sports Experience.
So, how does it work? A virtual race can be run or walked from any location you choose. It can be done alone, with family and friends or even with your pets.
You need to register for the race by Dec. 15, which is a $30 donation per person, then shirts and race bibs will be mailed to participants by Dec. 31.
You must complete the race by Jan. 15, 2019. And, you are encouraged to post your race pictures at Troop 476 Facebook page or at #smore5K.
Why is Troop 476 doing a 5K race?
There are several answers to this question
- Each troop must provide lots of durable equipment and supplies for its outings. This past year, we found that nearly all of our 14+-year-old tents are leaking. This does not enhance the camping experience. Thus, we want to raise funds to replace our tents.
- Fitness and the outdoors are part of Scouting; so the troop decided that a fundraiser that encouraged friends, family, colleagues, sports teams, and individuals to get outside and get moving was a great fit, particularly during this time of year.
You’re benefiting UMAISE? How does that work?
UMAISE is the Michigan Medicine Adaptive Sports Program. It aims to enhance the physical, social and emotional development for people with disabilities by providing quality, local and low-cost sports and recreation opportunities throughout the lifespan. This program sponsors and provides equipment for athletes who face challenges in participating in sports. For example, UMAISE provides equipment and sponsors events like walker soccer and wheelchair basketball tournaments. Scouts in our Troop have participated in these events, and it’s an amazing experience for all involved.
A portion of our net proceeds will go to UMAISE. We thought it was important as a Scout Troop not only to raise funds for our equipment replacement, but also to serve others in our community.
We have been asked how much will go to UMAISE, and we are having a difficult time answering this question. This is our first virtual race, and we just aren’t sure how much we will raise. We hope this will become an annual event and will have a better answer next year. UMAISE understands this and is working with us to increase participation.
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked, or hiked, or biked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, or on the treadmill. You can race alone, with family, friends, colleagues, as a sports team, or with your pet! You can complete the race at any time within the race period, and we hope you will post pictures in your race t-shirts with the hashtag #smore5k on your social media accounts.
How does one participate in the 5K?
Visit the race registration site here: bit.ly/RUNSMORE5K Individuals who want to participate sign up for the race; the cost to participate is $30; they will receive a race t-shirt and a race bib. We hope that they will run the 5K and post pictures (and their race times if they’d like) on their social media and/or on our Chelsea Troop 476 Facebook page (and yes, posting to our FB account will be moderated).
We hope to see hundreds of race shirts walking around Chelsea, Ann Arbor, and even across Michigan and elsewhere during the race time and for many months to come.
