Every year, our parish family and the wider community gather to support St. Mary Catholic School for the Pace the Priest 5K Run/Walk. Becky Strzalkowski is once again organizing this exciting event.
“It’s a really fun family event,” she says.
This will be the 13th year of the Annual 5K, which has become a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and community building. The event brings together school families, along with parishioners, friends, and beyond.
All are welcome to attend or participate. This year’s event will be held on Oct. 14. The 5K is chip-timed and starts at 9 a.m., followed by a Kid’s Fun Run (approximately 0.3 miles) at 10 a.m. The Kid’s Fun Run will take place on the sidewalks in McCormick Park — the age limit for the kid’s race is 10 years old. The kids who register will receive shirts and prizes for their race.
The cost is $30 for the 5K or $10 for the Kid’s Fun Run. Any sign-ups before Sept. 15 are guaranteed a preferred t-shirt size. Donations and sponsorships are also welcome. Race packet pick-up will take place on Oct. 13 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic School in the gym or on the race morning beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Along with students, faculty, and families, our own Fr. Fons will run the race through the residential areas of Williamston.
“We will try to beat him,” Mrs. Strzalkowski says. “But he is a very good runner so it’s difficult to beat him, but it’s fun camaraderie.”
After the race, there will be a party complete with face painting, popcorn, photo booth props, bubbles, and more. There is also water and snacks available before and after the race for all participants.
While race day provides a fantastic opportunity for community and fellowship, it also gives us the chance to consider how physical exercise can help us as stewards in our lives as Catholics.
“I always tell my students when we exercise and are intentional about fitness, we are fit to serve Christ in many different ways,” Mrs. Strzalkowski says. “When I help somebody and it’s a physical need — like moving, cleaning a house, cutting a tree, etc. — when we have fit bodies, we can serve Christ in a different capacity, to put His Word into our hands and feet, glorifying Him.”
All proceeds from the event go towards supporting our growing Catholic school community.
For more information, contact Becky Strzalkowski at rstrzalkowski@hotmail.com or visit runsignup.com/Race/MI/Williamston/StMarySchoolWilliamstonPacethePriest.