By Sarah Cook

The Selma Times-Journal

 

On Oct. 1, Selma residents and out-of-towners alike will be strapping on their running shoes to help change the world in the third annual Integrity Worldwide Run for Kenya 5K and one-mile Fun Run.

The run, which will begin at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m., will go through historic downtown Selma, weaving through several of the city’s historic homes, and then end at Bloch Park. The one-mile Fun Run will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Integrity Worldwide, a non-profit Christian ministry, hosts the run each year.

“It’s so much fun and so many people come out,” said Averee Hicks, co-founder of Integrity Worldwide and one of the race-day coordinators. “It’s really a fun day.”

Funds raised from the run will benefit drought victims in a Kenyan community.

Hicks said proceeds will also go toward the IMPACT program.

“We also empower families to become drought resistant in the future through agricultural and educational programs specifically though the IMPACT scholarship program,” Hicks said.

This year, the run will be a little different because it is scheduled the same day as Market Day, Hicks said.

“It’ll really provide families with a fun-filled day they can enjoy,” Hicks said. “They can start at 8 a.m. with the integrity 5K and then go to Market Day and shop and eat. There will be a fun buzz in Selma from sun up to sun down.”

Runners will have their choice of plenty of healthy food at the race, Hicks said, and most of it will be from local vendors.

“There will be some great food,” Hicks said. “A local coffee shop will do some fresh homemade muffins for us. We want to bless Selma by doing everything locally if we can.”

Those interested can register for the run online or through registration forms, which will be available at key places around town such as Mark’s Mart, the library and the Chamber of Commerce.

Registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Each runner will receive a free t-shirt.

There will be plenty of prizes the day of the race too, Hicks said.

For more information on the race, call 327-9986 or 322-1201, or visit www.integrityworldwide.com.