Lace up the running shoes and get moving

Submitted Photo An enthusiastic group of over 110 runners participated in last year's Mercy Day Run. Event organizers are gearing up for another successful race on Saturday, Sept. 29.

After an impressive response at last year's first Mercy Day Run, event organizers are gearing up for another successful event. The 2012 run is slated for Saturday, Sept. 29 beginning at 7 a.m. at Mercy's East parking lot.

"Last year, participants were blessed perfect weather and an enthusiastic crowd," said Reta Baker, Mercy Hospital president. "We hope to deliver the same type of experience this year. We've even made some improvements based on suggestions from last year's athletes. For runners, precise timing and measurements are vital so we have added a chip timing system and more accurate measurement devises."

Mercy Day Run 2012 will offer participants two divisions: a non-certified 5K and a non-certified half marathon. All runners will receive a Mercy Day Run logoed T-shirt and refreshments after the race.

Online registration is available at www.heartlandtiming.com. Registration forms are also available at Mercy Health for Life and Buck Run Community Center. Each entrant must complete and sign a separate event waiver the morning of the event.

The 5K run fee is $25 per individual. Awards will be given for the top three finishers in each age group. The half marathon fee is $40 per individual and includes a participation medal for each runner.

The top five finishing males and females will be awarded an additional place medal.

Pre-registration is recommended. After Sept. 14, an additional $5 per participant is added to the registration fee. Race day registration will be available from 6-6:30 a.m.

"Mercy is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and improving the quality of life for residents within our service area," Baker said. "By offering events such as the Mercy Day Run, we aim to encourage and support exercise and healthy lifestyle choices."

Proceeds will benefit the resurfacing of the community walking trail at Fort Scott Community College.

This year marks the 126th year of Mercy's presence in the Fort Scott community. Every Sept. 24, the Mercy Health Ministry recognizes the heritage and history of the founding Sisters. Across Mercy's four-state service area, Mercy Day honors the servitude and compassionate care of the Sisters who set the Mercy health care ministry in motion.

For more information about Mercy Day or the Mercy Day Run, contact the Mercy Development Office at (620) 223-8094.

Submitted to the Tribune by Christina Rockhold