The Christian Student Fellowship will be hosting a half-marathon and 5K for the first time on Nov. 9.
Wayne State College has its own chapter of CSF open to all students. WSC’s website describes CSF as a non-denominational campus ministry whose meetings involve connecting with friends, preparing for Bible studies, praying for one another and going out into the world to bless and change it through Jesus.
Sara Wright, a ministry leader for CSF, shared some information about the ministry’s new event.
“The whole idea behind it is, honestly, running by yourself is really not fun,” Wright said. “We wanted to create a community for people to just hold each other accountable while doing something hard. We also want to do more than just run. As Christians or followers of Jesus, you are doing so much more than just running. It’s figuring out how to do life together while pointing each other towards Jesus.”
Wright wanted to use the new event as a chance for people outside of CSF to get involved while raising money for the organization.
“The money is going to go back into Christian Student Fellowship for future events,” Wright said. “We have a sister campus in Valencia, Spain, who’s also doing a campus ministry. We went over there to visit them, so hopefully maybe some of the funds can go towards our next trip there.”
Wright explained fund may also be used to donate to an organization in O’Neill that works to revive areas affected by natural disasters.
For those wanting to participate in the event, there are flyers with QR codes on them posted around Wayne. There is a registration fee of $20, and if someone signs up before Oct. 31, they will receive a free T-shirt. Any registration after that date is welcome, but a T-shirt will not be given.
The routes for both the 5K and marathon will begin at Journey Christian Church, located on the east side of Wayne. The half-marathon course will then go around the town’s nature trail, loop at the fire station and go back through the nature trail.
The 5K will go around the wilderness trail located on WSC’s campus. Both routes will end in Journey’s parking lot.
Throughout the race, there will be tables set up with water and snacks. At the end, there will be hot chocolate and chocolate milk. Due to Nebraska’s rules regarding giving out prizes and CSF’s desire to include all ages, there will not be an award for the race’s winners.
“We would love to make this an annual thing,” said Wright. “We’ll see what happens, but it’s just a fun time for us to hang out and encourage each other and run.”
The CSF event will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 9 in Journey’s parking lot for those interested in registering or attending to cheer others on.
