St. John’s Sunshine Run set for Oct. 13

When Kris Woolf signed up for the St. John’s Sunshine Run last October, she didn’t expect to go home with anything more than a trophy. It wasn’t unusual for her to take home an award or two, since she had been participating in running events for many years. But that year was different: she took home a shiny engagement ring.

Longtime boyfriend and fellow avid runner Dustin Pearce surprised her at the awards ceremony by proposing marriage in front of the crowd gathered at Hammons Field. Pearce’s proposal was just one of many activities at the annual race event, whose proceeds benefit local charities.
“We hope there’s something for everyone – young and old,” said Andrea Makoski, race director. Last year’s participants ranged in age from a few weeks old to 80 plus. St. John’s Foundation for Community Health, the fundraising arm of St. John’s, organizes the event, which in 2006 raised $16,546.71 for St. John’s Burn Center; $10,858.89 for Breast Cancer Foundation for the Ozarks and $1,198.93 for Springfield Public and Catholic Schools.

The St. John’s Sunshine Run features three events: 28th Annual Sunshine Run 10K, Murney Associates 5K and KTXR 1-Mile “Walk with the Gentle Giant.” During and after the race, participants and spectators can listen to live bands, play in a kid fun zone, eat, or shop at the Wellness Village inside the concourse at Hammons Field.

Cost per event is $20 for adults and $10 for youth ages 12 and under. Discounts are provided to families. To register, visit stjohns.com.

Event Details
• Friday, October 12, 2007 Registration and Packet Pick-Up, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals.

• October 13, 2007 – Race Day
6:30 a.m. Packet pick up (No Same Day Registration) 7:15 a.m. Packet pick up ends
7:30 a.m. Murney Associates 5K
8:30 a.m. 28th Annual Sunshine Run 10K
8:15 a.m. 1-Mile Walk presented by KTXR
10:30 a.m. Award Presentation