For 15 years now in the cold month of December, the UWGB trails fill with runners and walkers of all kinds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.
A few days ago on Saturday December 6th, the Kress Events Center gave host to the start of the annual 5 k run/ walk. I personally attended the event for the second year in a row and braved the cold weather with hundreds of others for a good cause. Registration started at 8 AM and the run/ walk started at 9 AM. Each participant received jingle bells for the walk and a shirt. Before the gun went off you were able to get a free massage to get your muscles loose or you could grab a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.
When the event started everyone made their way from the Center out into the cold for the start all the 5 K. There were kids, parents, couples, people dressed up as presents, dogs, and students who all participated. Some were runners and some were walkers, but everyone was there for the same reason – to celebrate the holidays and more importantly supporting the fight for arthritis. It was less than 10 degrees out but it felt much warmer with all the body heat that was around. I walked most of the time, but I occasionally kicked it up a notch into a run and finished in pretty good time if I must say so myself.
After the event, massages were offered again as well as soup and more hot cocoa to warm everyone up! This was a great event that surely got me into the holiday spirit and the amount of people who lent a helping hand was amazing. I know that I will definitely be involved in years to come and I urge everyone who is thinking about UWGB as his or her homes next year to join as well. It only a small amount of money to register and it all goes to a great cause. As always post comments on here and I will get to them ASAP!
Check out the pictures from the event!