Race for Faith: A Dream turned into a Reality

 

Race for Faith“And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NLT).

Fourteen years ago, Cindy Martel, took these words into action and started the Race for Faith 5K Run, Walk and 10K Challenge. This annual event available to all ages raises money and awareness to local charities. Nevertheless, as Martel put it, “it’s never been about the money raised; it has always been about that one person who needs to hear God loves you and is with you every step of the way.”

As any dream, it takes faith and endurance for it to become a reality. Martel didn’t let her fear of nobody coming stop her. Martel, a runner for many years, was tired of just running for herself. “It was time to put my faith into action and use my gift of running to give back and spread the good news of Jesus Christ one step at a time.” Martel said.

This all started with a thought on a treadmill but soon became a source of blessing for charities and organizations. Those who have benefitted include the Food Pantry; a Veteran’s Support Organization; Team World Vision, a Christian relief and development organization assisting people worldwide to end poverty, fight hunger and transform lives; First Priority, a youth organization that supports student-initiated, student-led Christian clubs on middle school and high school campuses; Urban Youth Impact Dream Centre, an organization that empowers inner-city youth; and Genesis Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit that provides assistance dogs to those in need. This year proceeds will benefit Hospice of Palm Beach County, an organization that offers holistic care and support for the whole family when a loved one is facing a life-threatening illness.

Each year, everyone from kids to adults to atheists to people of faith, partake in encouraging fitness and hope in a fun and generous way. So far, $70,000 has been given away to local charities in the area. Even though the race is sponsored through social media, it is its past participants that spread the word the most.

The 14th Race for Faith Challenge will be this coming February 11. The race will be held at John Prince Park, 2700 6th Ave S, Lake Worth, starting at 7:30 a.m. To register or donate, visit www.raceforfaith.com. The entry fee of 35$ online or 40$ on race day, includes the choice of the 5K or 10K, a free 100 yard dash race for the kids, food, prizes, and even live music.

Don’t miss out on this family friendly event. Who knows? You may be inspired to use your own gifts and talents to help your community. Let’s use Martel’s example as a motivator to persevere in making our dreams a reality. The key, as Martel put it, is to “Do our best and let God do the rest.”

Estefania Hernandez is a student at Calvary Christian Academy and a Good News intern. You can reach her at [email protected].

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