Women Helping Women To Host Annual ‘Fun Run’

By Madeline Ziecker

2011 Women Helping Women Fun Run. Courtesy photo.

Non-profit organization Women Helping Women invites runners, walkers, and even (baby) strollers, to their fourth annual 2, 5, and 10k “Fun Run/Walk/Stroll” to begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 10.

The Fun Run is being held to benefit Women Helping Women’s emergency shelter, services, and programs for victims of domestic violence in Maui nui.

Registration for the event will begin at 6 a.m. at Women Helping Women‘s ReVive Resale Boutique in the Old Kahului Shopping Center, which is the starting and ending point of the run.

Starting at the boutique, the courses for the 2, 5, and 10km runs will wind along Kanaha Beach Park and loop back to the starting location for the big finish.

At the 2011 Fun Run, with the introduction of pledge forms at the event, Women Helping Women raised a total of $5,000.

Women Helping Women’s Executive Director Stacey Moniz said that last year’s success was greatly attributed to the 2011 Fun Run top pledge raiser Sara Green, who raised $1,000.

Stacey Moniz (left) with 2011 Fun Run top pledge raiser Sara Green (center). Courtesy photo.

“It’s gonna be a win win for all of us and a lot of fun,” said Moniz.

“I’m particularly excited to see the introduction of ‘Stroller Striders’ in this year’s run.”

Stroller striding is a recent fitness phenomenon among creative parents who find ways to have a full workout while carting their keiki.

At the finish line, three women and three men participating in the timed 5 and 10k runs will receive top finishing awards. Awards will also be presented to the top three pledge raisers of the day.

All run participants will be eligible for prize drawings during the award ceremony after the run. Other fun planned at the finish line includes food, music, entertainment, and a keiki hula show.

Those who wish to participate are asked to register before Wednesday, February 29.

Women Helping Women urges the public to join in the event and “Run because you want to, for women who run because they have to.”

For more information or to access registration forms, visit the Women Helping Women, Maui website.