First Step 5K ready to start 2022 off on the right foot

BEDFORD – The fourth annual First Step 5K event to benefit Bertha’s Mission is set for January 1, 2022 and will serve as a kick off to a healthier Lawrence County and join the Bedford race series.

This 5K run/walk and 1 mile run/walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will offer safe and social distancing for all who participate. All proceeds from race participants will go directly to help feed the hungry in Lawrence County through Bertha’s Mission.

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First Step 5K 2019 race participants

John Storms has helped with Bertha’s mission since its inception and says that keeping tradition alive and helping others when we can, is the best part of events like this.

“Lawrence County has a lot of people who go hungry every day, and we are able to help Bertha’s Mission to feed those who can’t find a meal,” said Storms. “I knew Bertha for a long time, and being able to help Janice keep her mother’s (Bertha) tradition of helping those who need it is what this is all about.”

Many individuals make New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, to stop a bad habit or even build a good habit, and this race will help with that.

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Race participants from the 2019 First Step 5k

“There are a lot of runners here in Lawrence County and it gives everybody a good reason to go out and stay healthy, especially if they started a new years resolution, this will help them attain that goal,” Storms said.

Race Director Jim Sowders feels this is a great opportunity for people to get the new year started off right and help the community at the same time.

“This event is two fold for those who participate with the race, whether it be running or walking, they are making the community better,” Sowders said. “All of the money will go to Bertha’s mission, but the community as a whole will benefit by starting the new year off on the right foot.”

Ainsley’s Angels participating in the 2020 First Step 5k

“Bertha’s Mission will continue to serve the community no matter what, they have served over 7,000 meals through their drive through service and have delivered 5,000 more this year. 12,000 meals in 11 months is truly incredible, and hosting this race will help them to continue serving the community, it’s the least we can do,” said Sowders.

The event only costs $25 until December 24th, where it will then be bumped to $30. Race shirts for the event will be available to the first 100 registrants, with race medals also going to the first 100 individuals to finish the race.

For more information about the First Step 5K event and where to register, you can visit their website, and to help with Bertha’s Mission visit https://berthasmission.com/,

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