Run for Rwanda

If you love to get out and do things that make a difference in this world, this event is for you! Our SECOND annual Hope Shines 1 Mile / 5K Run or Walk race provides a beautiful backdrop of the front range with gorgeous views of North Table mountain and White Ranch! This event will support education programs offered by Hope Shines, Inc., an international nonprofit operating an after-school program for disadvantaged youth in Rwanda, Africa.

The country of Rwanda has a chapter of dark history of a horrific genocide that resulted in almost 1 million people killed in 1994 in only 100 days! The residual of that event still resonates today with many youth left without emotional and educational support. Hope Shines offers life enhancing programs to help bridge the gap for those that were left without hope and helps children reach their fullest potential as they grow into adults! Your participation in our race will directly impact children in Rwanda and give them a chance at a brighter future. Check us out at www.hopeshines.org

This is a family friendly event and we encourage you to bring your children so you can expose them to what's going on in the world and specifically to the challenges children in extreme poverty face in Rwanda. Not to mention promote your health a little and get out and enjoy some of Colorado's weather. It's sure to have you leave feeling intrigued about our work and charged up from a little exercise!

RACE DESCRIPTION: Starting at 8am sharp, The course has two distances, both of which you can walk or run. We'll be running from the North Area Athletic Complex, host stadium of JeffCo School sports up to and around the Fairmount Trail and back to the stadium. The 1 mile is a flat and fast out and back with a "lollipop" loop that runs along a pond. As you turn left towards the last .3 of the distance, the 5K runners/walkers will stay right to continue to a 50 yard section of sidewalk, then it's back to gravel and then towards some single track. 5K runners/walkers will turn around at the canal crossing and head back up some narrow single track with a slight incline then link back with the end of the 1 mile course towards the finish! Unfortunately because of the section of single track dirt on the 5K course, strollers won't be permitted. Be sure to appreciate the views of the pond and North Table Mountain as you head south as well as be sure to look left at the mountains of White Ranch and further north, the Flatirons as you head back towards the finish line. We'll have a Hope Shines info table and refreshments and food will be served for all runner/walkers. Awards will be given for the top male and female in each distance at 9am. 

PACKET PICK UP/REGISTRATION: You can register or check in the day of the race by 7:15am. You will sign in and receive your bib, swag, and t-shirt. 

OTHER NOTES: Bring your water bottle (we will have some cups but want to limit waste), strollers are more suitable for 1 mile walkers/runners but be sure it's a runner stroller due to the bumpiness of the course. The 5K course has single track and will NOT be suitable for strollers of any kind. The course will be well-marked with flags for both distances.