CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The fourth annual Run for the House 5K/10K will be held Saturday, April 29, starting at 8 a.m., beginning at the House of Compassion, located at 211 W. Church St. The event raises money for the HoC’s many programs and services.

The fourth annual Run for the House 5K/10K will be held Saturday, April 29, starting at 8 a.m., beginning at the House of Compassion, located at 211 W. Church St.

The run, which is usually held in the fall, was moved up to April.

“We thought it would be better weather, and the time of year would allow for more people to participate,” said HoC Director Karen Frohwein.

Participants can sign up at the House of Compassion leading up to the event, or at 7:30 a.m. before the start of the race. The cost is $25 per runner. A t-shirt will be included, while supplies last.

“It’s not a competitive event — we don’t time it,” Frohwein said.

At 7:45 a.m before the start of the race, a short kids’ race will be held, free for kids eight year old and younger. Each child will receive a treat bag and participation ribbon.

Face painting will be available, as well as balloons.

For the second year in a row, the Faster Pastor Race will be held alongside the main race, allowing members of the clergy to participate in the 5K — free of charge. The first one to cross the finish line will take home the traveling Faster Pastor trophy.

Last year’s winner was John Witmer, pastor of the Marshalltown Church of the Nazarene.

“It’s fun for the pastors, and we make it free for them because we owe a lot to our pastors and churches,” Frohwein said.

Pastors do not have to sign up in advance to compete.

The event has several local sponsors that are providing supplies and materials. Volunteers are always needed to help with tasks including setting up for the race, traffic control on the race route, setting up water tables, getting runners registered, and more.

Funds raised will benefit the HoC’s supply closet, free evening meal (served Sunday-Friday), and its other services related to helping people find employment and housing and register for classes.

For more information, contact Frohwein at: 641-752-5999 or contact Run for the House chairperson Andi Walker at: andicwalker@gmail.com

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com