Des Moines, Iowa–A sea of green shirts at the IMT Des Moines Marathon will mean a river of money flowing all the way to Mozambique to build a school there. Iowans for Africa, a running team from the Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls, has already raised nearly $50,000 for World Vision and hopes to hit $100,000 by race day.
Between 135 and 145 athletes will make the trip to Des Moines, along with nearly 400 supporters wearing green Iowans for Africa shirts. The group will hold a worship service before the race at Nollen Plaza.
The team was founded by Don Williams, a church staffer who is also a running coach. "We have four main goals," Williams said. "One: Use this event to praise God and advance His kingdom. Two: Get everyone to the finish line healthy and happy! Three: Develop a team mentality through building community and relationships. Four: Raise money to build a school in Mozambique, Africa."
Last year the team ran the Chicago Marathon to raise money for HIV/AIDS research and prevention in Africa, also through World Vision.
"It's not unusual for a group of runners to raise money for a charity," said Chris Burch, IMT Des Moines Marathon director of racing and events. "But this is certainly one of the bigger groups we've seen, and the number of people coming to support them is inspiring."
To make a donation to Iowans for Africa, go to www.firstgiving.com/iowansforafrica.
The IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon and Bankers Trust Marathon Relay start at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 17. The Principal Financial Group 5K Road Race starts at 8:30 a.m. The Bankers Trust Kids Run Presented by Iowa Kidstrong starts at 1 p.m. All races start and finish at Nollen Plaza. Register to race or to volunteer at desmoinesmarathon.com.
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Between 135 and 145 athletes will make the trip to Des Moines, along with nearly 400 supporters wearing green Iowans for Africa shirts. The group will hold a worship service before the race at Nollen Plaza.
The team was founded by Don Williams, a church staffer who is also a running coach. "We have four main goals," Williams said. "One: Use this event to praise God and advance His kingdom. Two: Get everyone to the finish line healthy and happy! Three: Develop a team mentality through building community and relationships. Four: Raise money to build a school in Mozambique, Africa."
Last year the team ran the Chicago Marathon to raise money for HIV/AIDS research and prevention in Africa, also through World Vision.
"It's not unusual for a group of runners to raise money for a charity," said Chris Burch, IMT Des Moines Marathon director of racing and events. "But this is certainly one of the bigger groups we've seen, and the number of people coming to support them is inspiring."
To make a donation to Iowans for Africa, go to www.firstgiving.com/iowansforafrica.
The IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon and Bankers Trust Marathon Relay start at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 17. The Principal Financial Group 5K Road Race starts at 8:30 a.m. The Bankers Trust Kids Run Presented by Iowa Kidstrong starts at 1 p.m. All races start and finish at Nollen Plaza. Register to race or to volunteer at desmoinesmarathon.com.
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