Jacey's Race benefits local youths 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 fun door prizes. Bonner General Hospital is proud to once again be a sponsor of this great event.

This year’s race will be held on Sunday, July 11, at Sandpoint High School. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 1K at 9:15 a.m. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the 5K mens’ and womens’ 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 11-year old Haden Kistler, 8-year old Cooper Vierra and 3-year old Tyler Cordle. All funds raised will benefit these families, with additional gifts to be made to Community Cancer Services, the Sandpoint Chapter of Wishing Star and Bonner General Hospital.

You can register for Jacey’s Race online at www.jaceys-race.com or in person at Bonner General HOspital, Athlete’s Choice or Centerfield Sports in Sandpoint, as well as at Fleet Feet Sports in Coeur d’Alene. The entry fee for the adult 5K is $25 if pre-registering or $30 if registering on race day. The adult 1K is $15 in advance or $20 on race day. Kids 12 and under participate for free.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Anna at (2078) 290.1079. Whether you run, walk, volunteer or just come out to cheer on the participants, make plans now to attend and be a part of this great community event!

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