Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk is Almost Here!

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk is almost here! More than 2,000 runners, walkers and volunteers will gather in downtown Kalamazoo for the annual event to support programs and services for hospitalized children. The Sunday, September 29 Run & Walk, features 5k (3.1 mile) and 1-mile courses, children’s activity tents and a wonderful sense of community.

“We are looking forward to being joined by families who have had an experience at Bronson Children’s Hospital, along with community members who are eager to show their support,” says Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Health Foundation. “It’s really such an inspiring morning, and a fantastic demonstration of how our community coming together can make a difference.”

Funds raised at the Run & Walk help sustain art and music therapy, child life, programs for NICU families, and more. These services, which typically are not covered by insurance, provide comfort, support and peace of mind during what can be very challenging times for babies, children and families. Many of these programs are highlighted at booths in the activity tents the day of the Run & Walk.

This year’s honorary Run & Walk starters are Larry and Shannon Bell. The Bells are champions for Bronson Children’s Hospital and recognize the importance of having a children’s hospital in our region. As honorary starters, the Bells will provide a countdown for runners and walkers and cheer on participants at the start line.

Registration is still open for the Run & Walk. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will take place on Friday, September 27 from 11-3, and Saturday, September 28 from 10-3 at Bronson’s Gilmore Center, 7 Healthcare Plaza, in downtown Kalamazoo.

Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk activities kick off Sunday, September 29 at 8:30 a.m. on Bronson Methodist Hospital’s downtown campus at the corner of Lovell and Jasper.

Here is the event day schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Activities and on-site registration open
• 10 a.m. - Run & Walk Starts
• 1:15 a.m. - Awards
• Noon – Conclusion

Law enforcement and volunteers will be staged along the routes to assist with traffic. For details about the event, including route maps and lane closures, visit bronsonfoundation.com/runwalk.