Jacey's Race to benefit local kids with cancer

Jacey’s Race is a community event you won’t want to miss! Established to help local families with children who are currently being treated for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, it’s a timed 5K race for people of all ages and an untimed 1K run/walk for kids and families. In addition to the race itself, the day will include kids’ activities such as face painting, clowns, and a jumping castle, food and water tents, and free massages for the racers.

This year’s race will be held on Sunday, July 13, at Sandpoint High School. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the 5K kicks off at 8:15 a.m. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the 5K men’s and women’s races, as well as to the top three 5K men and women finishers in each age group. Ribbons will be awarded to all 1K finishers.

Jacey’s Race was inspired by Jacey, the 11-year old daughter of Dr. Ronald and Nanci Jenkins whose cancer is currently in remission. The Jenkins family moved to Sandpoint from Colorado, where they established Jacey’s Race to help local families meet the financial burden of battling childhood cancer. When the family moved to Sandpoint, they took the opportunity to bring the event to our community.

This year’s beneficiaries are two-year old Gavin Scheel and eight-year old Summer Smith. All funds raised will benefit the Scheel and Smith families, with additional gifts to be made to the Spokane Ronald McDonald House, the Sandpoint Chapter of Wishing Star and Bonner General Hospital.

You can register for Jacey’s Race online at www.jayceys-race.com or in-person at Bonner General Hospital, Athlete’s Choice or Centerfield Sports. The entry fee for the adult 5K is $25 if pre-registering or $30 if registering on race day.

The adult 1K is $10, and kits 12 and under participate for vapants will receive t-shirts, and the kids will receive special goody bags! If you’re interested in volunteering for the event, please contact Anna at (208) 290-1079.

? Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital.