Walk, run to remember loved ones set for Saturday
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Marshalltown streets will see more than little ghouls and goblins, princesses and pirates this Saturday.
St. Francis Catholic School will host the Soles for Souls 5K and Walk that morning, nine hours before trick or treating begins. The annual run is done in remembrance of people who have died. Created by principal Holly Erbes, Soles for Souls is very near and dear to her heart.
The race will begin in the St. Francis parking lot before participants head west on Olive Street to the stoplight at the intersection of South Sixth Street. Runners will then go south down Sixth to the pond where the special Angel Baby Mile will begin.
The Angel Baby Mile is to remember infants and children.
The Soles for Souls route circles back and participants will finish at the starting point in the St. Francis parking lot.
"This year, there are several runners and walkers," she said. "It's always awesome to see about 100 people out there walking for their loved ones. They are allowed to take their Memory Marker home with them if they want, but otherwise it stays with us in our storage until the next year."
Memory Markers are lawn signs bearing the names of family members, friends and others who are important to runners. They are placed along the route.
"Anyone can purchase a Memory Marker with up to two names on it," Erbes said. "If someone has purchased a Memory marker in previous years, that is $10 to re-stake year after year."
The winner does not get an award or prize, but Erbes said they will have peace in knowing their loved one is prayed for by numerous people on Saturday.
"Ultimately, I hope Soles for Souls reminds people that they are not alone in their grief," she said. "I know for me, pregnancy and infant loss can be incredibly isolating and something people don't know how to talk about or where to turn. I want this event to create a space where we can honor the beautiful souls and find purpose through their pain. My hope is that people leave knowing their babies are remembered, their stories matter and even in the midst of heartbreak, there can still be hope, healing and a sense of community. If Soles for Souls helps even one person feel less alone, then it has made a difference."
Soles for Souls proceeds will go into the general fund for the school and used to cover the cost of the 5K.
EVENT INFORMATION
Name: Soles for Souls 5K and Walk
Location: St. Francis Catholic School
Address: 310 Columbus St.
Date: Saturday
Hours: 8 a.m. for check-in, race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Registration: Participants can go to the school this week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to fill out a brochure or go online https://onecau.se/_p325g1 to sign up and get Memory Markers.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth ages 15 and younger; $20 for Memory Markers
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.