River Run 5K

Last year, as the autumn air turned to the cool temperature that runners love, a runner came up with an idea...

Pastor John Lindell of James River Assembly in Ozark, Missouri approached Angel Mission with the idea of putting on a 5K run. This 5K run would be a fun, physical challenge, but it would also be a vehicle for raising funds to provide a clean water well to people in need.

The church is no stranger to the work of Angel Mission or the need for clean water that exists around the world. The people of James River have sponsored several water projects in the past and have participated in a matching challenge that allowed for the purchase of two drilling rigs. Pastor Lindell not only offered that the church host the 5K race, but has also made materials available so that other churches can hold their own River Run 5K for Clean Water.

The first annual River Run 5K for Clean Water took place on the morning of August 22, 2009. The race drew over 500 runners of all ages. It included not only the general 5K race but also a Diaper Dash for the little ones as well as a Kid K for children not quite ready to trek the 5K route.

Overall it was a great family event that raised $10,000 to help provide a new clean water source for the Datooga tribe in northwestern Tanzania. Both the church and the community are already looking forward to next year's event, which will likely see an increase in attendance and funds that go to provide the life-saving gift of clean water!