Bronson Children's Hospital to Host Virtual Run & Walk

The annual Bronson Children’s Hospital Run & Walk is going virtual this September! This event usually draws more than 2,000 people to Bronson’s downtown Kalamazoo campus. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of bringing people together in one place, individuals and teams will participate in the event virtually, from their own neighborhoods and communities.

The Run & Walk is Bronson Health Foundation’s premiere event to raise funds for programs and services at Bronson Children’s Hospital. Community support is critical to ensuring the children’s hospital is able to continue to provide child life services, art and music therapy, new medical technology and supportive services in the neonatal intensive care unit designed specifically for babies and their families.

“We are so glad we can still offer a Run & Walk experience this year,” says Terry Morrow, vice president of development for Bronson Healthcare. “Our community members have really shown us how resilient and adaptable they are, and their commitment to helping Bronson take care of children who are ill or injured continues to be strong.”

The virtual Run & Walk will take place over several days. From Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 27, participants can choose when and where they will complete their 5k (3.1 mile) or 1 mile run or walk. All registered participants will receive a t-shirt, bib and new this year, everyone will receive a finisher medal. Teams and individuals are invited to set a fundraising goal to further support children’s health. All participants are encouraged to share their experience on social media, virtually bringing together a crowd in support of Bronson Children’s Hospital. Everyone is reminded to practice safe social distancing if running or walking with others from outside their household. Fun challenges, prizes and videos shared on social media will help connect participants, patients and families throughout the event.

“We are looking forward to seeing and sharing everyone’s photos and videos as they cross the finish line. It’ll be a great way to show the children in our care and their families that the community is rooting for them,” says Morrow.

For more details about the Bronson Children’s Hospital 2020 Virtual Run & Walk, visit bronsonhealth.com/runwalk.