by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
TOPEKA — If participants in the upcoming “Walking in Prayer, Running in the Spirit” event need any inspiration, they can always turn to “Coach” Isaiah.
“They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint,” says the biblical prophet (Is 40: 31).
Father Larry Bowers, pastor of two parishes named for St. Patrick — one in Scranton and one in Osage City — is hoping the second annual running and walking event will be as successful as last year’s.
After all, the parish needs the money. St. Patrick Church in Scranton is beyond repair, and parishioners need to build a new church.
The parish’s “Walking in Prayer, Running in the Spirit” fundraiser is only one of several events designed to raise money for the capital campaign. Last year, 80 participants raised $15,000.
This year, the 10K run/fun walk will take place on Oct. 1 at Shawnee Lake Trail near southeast Topeka. Packet pickup and registration opens at Shelter #1 at 8:30 a.m. The 10K race begins at 9:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10 a.m.
The awards ceremony and a door prize drawing (must be present to win) will be at 11:30 a.m. The top three male runners and top three female runners in each age bracket will receive medals. The age brackets are under age 40 and over age 40.
The race fee of $35 includes a shirt for each runner and a sandwich lunch. The walking fee is $15, which includes a shirt and a sandwich lunch. Walkers are asked to get sponsorship per-mile pledges, with a $125 minimum.
There will be games and activities in the afternoon. There will be a 5 p.m. Mass in Shelter #1 followed by a free community dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Scranton Altar Society.
To sign up online to run or walk, click here. For information on the race route, contact Nanette O’Flaherty by email at: naoflay@hotmail.com. To see a map of the area, click here.
