St. John's Sunshine Run set for Oct. 14

The event, now in its 27th year, will benefit St. John’s Burn and Wound Center, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, the Jane A. Meyer Carillon at Missouri State University and Springfield Public and Catholic schools.

This is the first year the event will be held at Hammons Field.

“The new venue allows each event to start and finish at roughly the same location,” said event director Mickey Moore, in a news release. “ We hope to see people participate who have never participated before. It’s a great excuse to exercise while also supporting several good causes.”

A wellness expo, located on the concourse inside Hammons Field, will feature various exhibitors and vendors throughout and after the race. Families can enjoy food, music, a Kids’ Fun Zone and other activities and educational programs.

The Murney Associates 5K event starts at 7:30 a.m., and the Sunshine Run 10K and KTXR 1-Mile Walk With the Gentle Giant events begin at 8:30 a.m. All events begin on John Q. Hammons Parkway and end at home plate inside the stadium.

Springfield Cardinals mascots Louie and Fetch will be on hand to cheer participants.

St. John’s began the Sunshine Run in 1981 to encourage employees to get physically fit. The event expanded as public interest grew, and in 2003, a simultaneous run with American troops in Kuwait drew 400 servicemen and women at Camp Arifjan.

About 1,500 people are expected to participate.[[In-content Ad]]