BY: RACHEL WUMKES

As we turn the calendar to April this morning, it’s hard to look at the mostly empty page.  All the ‘ahead of time’ plans now have a big red X through them, cancelling all the planned fun and organized activities.   There’s not a whole lot to look forward to, really.

Except there’s still one thing left on the schedule for April.  It’s altered a bit to keep with the standards of social distancing set forth by the Public Health Department, but it’s still there, holding on, giving us all something to look forward to.

It’s the Earth Day 5K/10K Run (or walk, if you’re like me).

The event is scheduled for April 25th, but there’s a new twist!  This year, due to the impact of COVID-19, the race will be held virtually!

You guys, this means it’s literally THE BEST race to sign up and tackle.  I mean, what’s always held you back in the past from signing up?  Maybe running a race like this is something you’ve never done, and the anxiety weighing amongst the unknown was just too much to handle!  You don’t want to look like a dippety-doo out there, running slower than a herd of turtles while the super-fit people pass you left and right.

Right?

I know that’s my biggest reason.

Well, here’s your chance to finally do a race.  To sign up and just do it.  Because there will be no judging eyes following you.  There will be no people sprinting by as you slowly make you way through the course.  It’ll be just you.  Running.  Walking.

Heck, you can skip the whole thing if you really want!

You can do this outside, on a treadmill, or even in place!  And you get to choose the time frame; morning, afternoon, night, it’s all up to you!  The only stipulation is you must perform your run/walk between April 22nd and April 26th.  And the best part this year?  You don’t have to be in Clear Lake to join in the fun!  Live in another town? Or State?  That’s OK!  Participants will pick up/receive their swag, t-shirt and bib at a later date which is to be determined.  So, anyone anywhere can join the fun.

So why sign up?  Well, because a portion of the money raised for this event is going to support Ainsley’s Angels.  This organization ensures everyone can experience endurance events.  In a nutshell, they provide Freedom Chariots, an adaptive race chair to carry its rider over the finish line.  People who are not physically able to participate in organized runs and races now have the chance.

The chance to feel the glory of crossing a finish line.  To have the wind whip across their face as their personal Angel guides their Freedom Chariot from behind.  While the runner might be the one with the leg power, I guarantee it’s the spirit of the individual inside the chair pulling them to the race end.

To check out the local impact Ainsley’s Angels have had in the North Iowa Area, follow this link.  The heartwarming story is amazing and shows the importance of this incredible organization right here.

https://www.facebook.com/onevisioniowa/posts/3272650756109364

That, alone, should be enough to make your decision and get signed up! All you have to do is CLICK HERE.

Also, if you’d like to learn more about Ainsley’s Angels and how YOU can get involved in their incredible organization, please check out their WEBSITE HERE.

See ya – virtually, that is – on race day!