Runners from Several Time Zones and States Already Pre Registered for the Running Nuns 5K in NH

Aug. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- The St. Charles Children's Home 5K presented by the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love has been growing steadily over the years.  Most of the registrants were locals who either believed in the cause, had a friend or family member running or simply found the flat and fast course appealing.  

However, the competition is about to get tougher as runners from as far away as Oklahoma are registered to run in the 2011 race.    

"This is a true testament as to the validity of this race"  says Chris Bernier of Sub5racing.com .  "This race is a USATF certified, flat and fast course that will get the attention of more and more elite runners as time goes on." continues Chris.

The purpose of the race is to raise money for the St. Charles Home for Children.  The Children’s Home has been accepting children who have been removed from their family by court order and are under the protection of the Division of Welfare. The grief and anger flowing from a troubled past tends to erupt in disruptive and sometimes violent behavior in these children.

In the spring of 1996, the sisters had a “family meeting” with the children to talk with them about healthy ways to release anger and negative emotions. The children came up with many ideas to vent anger in healthy ways. Soon Rose—one of the most aggressive girls—was going for daily hikes on a nearby trail with Sister Maximilian. By the end of the summer these daily hikes turned into daily runs. Meanwhile, the boys became jealous when they heard that Rose could run more than a mile without becoming tired. Since then, the sisters and children run four miles a day and participate in local 5k road races during the year.

Since then, the race has grown to @ 1000 runners and there is expected to be up to 1500 runners for 2011.  You will find more & more people using this race as reason to visit NH over Labor Day weekend by both elite runners and recreational runners who enjoy the positive road race environment.  

"It would be great to be represented by all 50 states." says Race Director, Sister Mary Agnes.  "Not only because it would make our race that much more legitimate, but it would also give us an opportunity to share with more and more people what we are doing here.  We welcome that very much." continues Sister Mary Agnes.  

The race is on Sept 5 2011.  Online registration and all race info can be found at http://runningnuns.com

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In September, 1997, the global insurance brokerage company Willis founded a 5k road race that St. Charles could call its very own. The race has grown by approximately one hundred runners annually, and has raised more than $155,000 for the Home. The St. Charles Children’s Home 5k has been a professional, well organized event from the beginning, and is supported by many local vendors who provide plenty of food and drink and an exciting array of raffle prizes. The race strives to attract serious runners, while at the same time providing a culture that is friendly to families, children and beginners. Our event stands out because participants have the unique opportunity to run with the children they are raising money to support. The children are recognized at the award ceremony of every race.