08/26/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 11:59
Individuals and organizations are both invited to participate and spectators are welcome.
In place of an entry fee, the City is asking participants to help give back to our community by bringing two non-perishable food items to be donated to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Refreshments including coffee and donuts will be provided for participants. A donation jar and online link will be placed at the refreshment stand at Paw Park with proceeds going towards Retrieving Freedom, Inc., a local non-profit organization that trains specialized service dogs for veterans and children with autism.
The first 100 5K finishers will receive a medal courtesy of CODE 4 Public Safety Emblems, LLC.
In honor of the dedication of 9/11 first responders, participants may complete the 5K in gear such as weighted vests, if possible, to simulate the experience that emergency personnel endured that day. All area public safety agencies are invited to attend and complete the 5K wearing public safety gear if they can do so. Participants are also welcome to take part without gear and can walk, run, or roll. The event will have informational booths on-site at Paw Park from veterans and healthcare organizations including Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs, UNI Military and Veteran Student Services, AMVETS Post 49, UnityPoint Health Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center, UnityPoint Health - Allen Mental Health Walk-in Clinic, Cedar Valley Hospice, Retrieving Freedom, Inc., and Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI).
All community members, as well as area public safety, city, and emergency organizations, are invited to stop by and connect with the information and resource booths provided. The booths will be open throughout the duration of the 5K.