‘Let’s Light the Way’ 5K set for Dec. 14 around Sis Farm
Runners, walkers and lovers of Christmas lights are invited to lace up, bundle up and “Let’s Light the Way” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Terry and Cori Sis’s farm South of Elsie.
The Perkins County Health Services Foundation will host its annual “Let’s Light the Way 5K” and 1-mile run/walk at the Sis Family Farm, 34430 Road 757, Elsie. The event begins at 4 p.m., with registration set at $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile.
“Participants can choose to run the full 5K or enjoy a more leisurely 1-mile walk, jog or run. The course is designed so runners and walkers will get to take in the Sis family’s glowing Christmas light display as they head toward the finish line,” Lindsay Nodlinski, Administrator at the Perkins County Health Services Foundation said.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to show up in their most festive, over-the-top holiday attire — think ugly sweaters, Santa hats, tinsel, blinking necklaces and more. For safety and fun, participants are asked to wear some type of light on their clothing or carry a flashlight.
The race is timed so that most participants will finish after sundown, with sunset at 4:18 p.m. MDT. Cross the finish line, and the holiday cheer continues: runners and walkers can warm up in the Sis family’s heated shop with water, hot chocolate and Christmas cookies before heading back out to stroll through the farm’s “amazing display of lights,” a highlight of the annual event.
All money raised will support a new health and wellness platform for Perkins County Health Services. The program will be used for the weight loss clinic, outpatients, public health projects, and cardiac and pulmonary rehab. Through the platform, patients can receive personalized recipe plans, join group nutrition challenges, and participate in cooking and meal prep classes, among other offerings.
Funds will also support the Foundation’s Patient Assistance Programs, which help local patients with medical-related needs.
“We’re really excited to offer something that’s both fun for families and meaningful for the health of our community,” said Nodlinski. “You can get some exercise, enjoy beautiful lights, and help us ‘light the way’ to better health at the same time.”
Anyone interested can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NE/Elsie/LetSLightTheWay5K, call Lindsay at 308-352-7285, or email pchsfoundation@gmail.com.
Registration will remain open until race day. Those planning to register the day of the event are asked to arrive by 3:15 p.m. to allow time to sign up before the 4 p.m. start.
The Foundation extended a special thank you to the Sis family for opening their farm and hosting the holiday fundraiser.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just chasing the kids down the lane in reindeer antlers, organizers say all are welcome to come out, light up the night and support local health services.