2023 Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk Adds New Features

Bronco Football Coach to be Honorary Starter

Kalamazoo, Mich. – More children’s activities, expanded medal categories and a new honorary starter will highlight this year’s Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk on Sunday, September 24. 

The annual event in downtown Kalamazoo is expected to draw more than 2,000 people in support of services for patients and families at Bronson Children’s Hospital. Prior to the start of the Run & Walk, participants can visit two activity tents, including several new stations, with games, educational activities, face painting, small giveaways and more. The Run & Walk includes two course options – a 5K (3.1 mile) and a 1 Mile route. Everyone from competitive runners to families pushing strollers are welcome to take part. There will be awards for the top three male, female and nonbinary runners in 15 age categories, along with overall winners. Everyone who completes the course will also receive a participant medal. 

This year’s honorary race starter will be new WMU Bronco football coach Lance Taylor. Taylor has added this special kick-off to his calendar as the Bronco’s season will just be getting underway. “I had the opportunity to visit Bronson Children’s Hospital recently, and I saw firsthand what a special place it is for children in our community.  I’m looking forward to representing the Broncos in support of hospitalized children and their families,” says Taylor.
The coach is also putting together a team to join him at the event. 

The Run & Walk is hosted by Bronson Health Foundation and money raised supports the Children’s Hospital Fund. “Having the community participate in the Run & Walk is so important because it lets families know that they are not alone,” says Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Heath Foundation. “Our Children’s Hospital Fund helps us to ensure patients have the best experience possible in a healing environment designed specifically for kids.” 

The Run & Walk will start and finish at the corner of Jasper and Lovell streets, with activities and late registration opening at 8:30 a.m., and the race starting at 10 a.m.

Details of the event, including registration, can be found at bronsonfoundation.com/runwalk.

Pictured from L to R: Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Health Foundation; Brooke Heck, child life specialist, Bronson Children’s Hospital; Lance Taylor, WMU head football coach and his wife, Jamie Taylor.