Thousands prepare for the 6th annual Chicago Gospel Run 5K/10K in Bronzeville

Written by zenmochaGR on . Posted in News.

May, 2018 – Gospel Run is proudly stepping into the 6th year of its annual flagship event – the Gospel Run 5K/10K and Gospel Kids Run – the first and largest event of its kind in the United States.  Thousands from across the Chicago region and beyond will run and walk along Chicago’s lakefront in support of one another to promote healthy lifestyles and regular exercise.

The event was launched with a 2013 pilot and has grown nearly tenfold during its short history – embraced by churches across the region as a vehicle to promote congregational health.  “The US is a global leader in health disparities, and we have a health epidemic in black and brown communities,” says Nyasha Nyamapfene, Gospel Run Founder.  “So many of the chronic diseases claiming the lives of our loved ones are preventable. Our platform inspires the faith community to spread a message that change is possible; we can disrupt the cycle.“  

Gospel Run teams range in size from 5 to over 300 and represent some of Chicago’s largest churches. The event attracts a number of first-time participants that have never participated in a fitness event or race.  On-site health offerings will includefree diabetes testing, HIV screening, CPR training, and an Ask-A-Physician tent intended to encourage access to quality care. 

Gospel Run partners in health include the Chicago Department of Public Health, University of Illinois Cancer Center, the American Heart Association, Howard Brown Health, Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and Presence Health.  The race takes place in the Bronzeville community of Chicago, credited as the birthplace of gospel music.  

NBC 5 Chicago will broadcast live from the event on race day, and NBC personality Jorge DeSantiago will serve as race-day emcee.  

Gospel Run is a Chicago-based 501c3 public health organization that partners with the faith community to inspire health, transformation, and expanded possibility in communities that face the most challenging health outcomes.