news article
Celebrating 10 Years of Branchport UMC’s Red, White, & Blue 5K
June 27, 2024 / By Kim Lyons, Pastor at Branchport UMC / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This July 4th, the Branchport United Methodist Church will be hosting our 10th Annual Red, White, & Blue 5k. What began as a fundraiser to cover the winter fuel bills has turned into a family event as we welcome runners from across the country to walk or run our course along the beautiful Guyanoga Road in Branchport of Yates County. With Keuka Lake nearby, we see many vacationers as well as locals who want to support our country church, get in some running miles, or just have some fun with their family. Some come to run in honor of a loved one who has connections to our church. Though the pandemic stopped us for a couple of years, we are so glad to be able to celebrate our 10th year.
Planning for this event begins around March as we review last year's comment cards, send out sponsor letters, work to create the t-shirt and poster design, and round up the many hands that make it happen! Sponsors who support our race get their names printed on the backs of the shirts, and top finishers get a beautiful American flag to take home. Registration opens at 7 a.m. on the day of the race. With a prayer and some cheers, the participants take off at 8 a.m. and head northwest towards Belknap Road for just over 1.5 miles, then turn around and head back to the church. Kids begin their 1-mile fun run shortly after the 5k runners and have their chance to run through the finish line. Each year our numbers grow as kids move from the fun run to the full 5k race. We average approximately 160 runners for the full race and 20 for the mile fun run.
As the support of our church and this race have grown, we have been able to pour out the blessings to local missions like The Living Well in Penn Yan and Pet Partner Connections of Yates County, as well as supporting Branchport UMC’s other missions like the Blessing Cupboard on our front lawn and our FREE Community Dinners. It is truly an honor to witness the love that is poured out in this event through handing out cool water, cheering others on, supporting local causes, and most importantly, giving praise to God in the streets of Branchport.
Participants can register online at: Branchport UMC 5K Registration or in person the day of the race for $30. There are prizes for all age levels, and we encourage participants to put on their most patriotic gear and come out for the fun!