While working on posting the Midnight Run today on several online race calendars, I started thinking of all the ways we can pull in the biggest crowd ever for the race. Of course, that is always the goal to have the most participants possible, but what is our goal or purpose for having so many runners?
The Midnight Run was established 22 years ago in 1992 to serve as a fundraiser for the parks and recreation department. Many races across the country are held for various causes, and one of the most asked question we have each year is "where do the proceeds for the Midnight Run go?" People often do not get fired up about running for their local parks and recreation department, and are instead looking for races that might make more of an impact. There are plenty of great races around the area that all support great causes, but the Midnight Run is no different.
Funds from the Midnight Run support the parks and recreation department to provide quality recreational opportunities for people of all ages in the Cullman area. CP&R holds various programs throughout the year that are free to the public and are provided as a service, and without funding from events like the Midnight Run or ClucknBrew, these services would not be able to be provided.
One of the prime examples of the money raised from the Midnight Run is to support programs like Drive-in Movies at Nesmith Park. This has been one of my personal favorite programs while working for CP&R, because it bring families together to enjoy a quality night of family fun without breaking the bank by going to the movies or having to spend lots of money on other entertainment avenues. Another great example of programs the department offers free to the public is the Phone Calls to Santa program, where CP&R calls a group of lucky and excited kids straight from the North Pole and checks in with them before Christmas rolls around. The Senior Spirit program at the Donald E. Green Senior Center offers singing, dancing, exercise, art classes, and much more, all of which are free to anyone ages 50 & up, with funds provided by CP&R events like the Midnight Run.
CP&R offers other numerous programs that are offered for free, as well as dozens of parks that provide space to walk in, run in, play in, picnic in, and much more. By running the Midnight Run, you are supporting your community and the many programs that are offered to make our community one with the best quality of life to live, work, and play in.
We hope you will join us for the 22nd Annual EvaBank Midnight Run on August 15, 2014 at the Cullman Civic Center at Midnight. Aside from making a difference in the community, the race is also a fun way to spend your Friday night running the streets of Cullman. All runners will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag, and a chance to win some great door prizes like an iPad or flat screen TV. $250 cash prize will be given away to the overall male and female winner and $200 to the overall male and female masters winners. Thanks to our sponsor, EvaBank for providing these great prizes and support for the event!
Registration is now open at the Cullman Civic Center, all EvaBank locations, and online at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2131521.
-Waid Harbison
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