September 17, 2011 – A perfect day for the 3rd Annual Swazi 5k
by Pat Burton
Saturday morning, September 17 was a perfect day for the 3rd annual Swazi 5k Run/Walk held at Southern Nazarene University. Following unseasonably hot weather for the preceding three months, the weather cooled just in time for this special event. It was a great morning to be outside.
After a year of preparation by dedicated committee members led by race director Karen Dedmon, Friday night saw final preparations falling smoothly into place. A strong volunteer group
gathered to begin pre-registration packet assembly and pick up the
Wednesday before the race and continued through Saturday
morning as others met to set up vendor booths, sound equipment, race banners and the Start/Finish line archway. By 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, sponsors and vendors were in place and final registration had begun. 110 volunteers scattered to appointed locations by race time covering many areas such as registration/prize pickup, water stations, route cheerleaders, snacks, vendors, and medical assistance to name a few.
By race time, 459 participants gathered to compete in three events. An indoor Fun Walk at the SNU Sawyer Center began at
7:30 a.m.
with acorresponding 1 mile outdoor Run/Walk. The 5K (3.1 miles) race started at 8 a.m. on a certified course sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association.
Announcer Scott Regester did a great job from start to finish informing, entertaining, and recognizing runners as they crossed the finish line and received awards. Participants ranged in age from as young as 3 to 83 years of age. Some walked, some ran, or a combination of both, but everyone had a great time. Plenty of water
was available at water stands on the course and at the finish
line. Families living along the race route 
were gracious
in their support, cheering from their front yards or holding
handmade signs. Hal Swinhart served as event photographer, capturing hundreds of great moments during the day. Several organizations registered employees as a group, even one cross country coach who brought his team for a training event and is thinking ahead to participate yearly. Lots of great door prizes from sponsors added to the fun.
We so appreciate the many participants who came to support the people of Swaziland. The Swazi 5K is a fun, healthy, creative way
to take an active part in helping people in need. The Swazi people are
amazed that people here are working to help and even run or walk
to raise funds and awareness of their needs. Most of them
must walk simply to reach a destination. It helps to know people care.
Many thanks to our sponsors who donated gifts and services to make this race possible, the vendors who also make the waiting fun and informative, and a very special thank you to Race Director Karen Dedmon, 5k committee and all the volunteers who put together a great event. People are already planning group participation for next year with their own fun T-shirts for identification. Planning doesn’t stop, but takes a much deserved
rest before looking ahead to “next year.” Watch this website for
future announcements next year as we gear up for the 4th ann
ual Swazi 5K!
All net proceeds raised from the Swazi 5k go to the HIV/AIDS task force in Swaziland to help provide food, medicine and care for those with AIDS, and volunteer scholarships for Swaziland GO teams through the Swaziland Partnership at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. GO teams partner with medical,
educational, compassion, and construction projects to help reduce the
incidence of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. We are making a difference.
To learn more about how you can join one of these teams visit the GO page listed on this website.