Running in Mt. Hope for relief, goats and MCC
Goats like this one can become a life-sustaining business for many people in poverty-stricken countries. The annual MCC Run for Relief will take place July 13 in Mt. Hope.
Whether you walk, jog or run, an upcoming event will allow all participants to get to the finish line for a great cause.
The 32nd annual Run for Relief will be held at the Mt. Hope Event Center on Saturday, July 13, and the morning will be filled with a pair of events including a 1k walk/run and a 5k race.
The 1k race will start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5k event at 8 a.m. Registration will start at 6:30 a.m.
What? You say you’re not a runner?
That’s just fine. You can still participate, and it’s all done with the focus set on helping people build a sustainable business raising goats in Lebanon.
“The event is open to all ages of runners or walkers,” event coordinator Jennifer Hartzler said.
Registration can be done prior to the date. Sign up with the accompanying QR code, or participants may register the day of the event at the starting area. Registration also is open at the Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale website at https://ohiomccreliefsale.org/. Look under the Live Event tab for the Run for Relief.
This year the money raised will be donated to Mennonite Central Committee to purchase goats to improve families’ meals using milk and cheese and to increase income. The 2024 Run for Relief will highlight how goats can impact a families’ livelihood.
Amid an economic crisis in Lebanon, it behooves families to raise goats.
“The goat project is one of the most essential and important projects in our region,” said veterinarian Bassel Debs, a consultant with MCC partner Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training. “The national currency has lost more than 80% of its value, and prices have soared, so goat milk and cheese offer nutrition and sorely needed income. Offspring can be sold, leading to a larger infusion of cash.”
For those who have younger children or people who prefer a shorter distance and want to continue to support MCC, the 1k fun run/walk is ideal. This event will not be timed, and no awards will be given to those who finish first, middle or last. Everyone who participates in this event will receive a T-shirt.
It is a wonderful way to show support for families in need.
“Please remember to bring your water bottles,” Hartzler said. “Let’s reuse and recycle. Bring your own filled water bottles or fill yours with our Gatorade or cool water.”
The event route is a blacktopped surface with gentle hills.
Every participant will receive a T-shirt, and the top six overall runners will receive a goat-related award. Age awards also will be given. All proceeds will be given to MCC to purchase goats for families.