News

Bluestem PACE to host rescheduled third annual 5K walk/run in virtual format

MCPHERSON, KANSAS—Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) of McPherson, has set Saturday, October 3, at 9 a.m., as the rescheduled date for its third annual 5K PACE Race walk/run. Originally scheduled to be held in late March, the PACE Race was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rescheduled event will be held virtually to ensure proper social distancing.

Bluestem PACE partners with individuals aged 55 and better and their families so seniors can remain safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible. Race registration fees will benefit the Bluestem PACE Good Neighbor Fund, which assists program participants who encounter unforeseen circumstances and assists Bluestem PACE in providing the highly coordinated, integrated medical care and other services to serve seniors.

“With the PACE Race being virtual this year, it gives runners and walkers from surrounding communities more of an opportunity to participate as well,” said Justin Loewen, Bluestem PACE executive director. 

Registration for the PACE Race is $35, however, this year, every registration will be doubled dollar for dollar due to a generous sponsorship by Midway Motors of McPherson. Those interested in participating can register at bluestempace.org/events. 

“Thanks to the generosity of Midway Motors and their desire to support Bluestem PACE, along with providing help in the ongoing expenses of COVID-19, all PACE Race registration dollars and donations are matched dollar for dollar,” said Derek Yoder, Bluestem Communities vice president for Fund Advancement. “Your registration is $35, but to PACE, it’s a donation of $70.”

Registration includes a race t-shirt, which participants are encouraged to wear for the virtual event, and share photos on social media. Participants will receive further communication about submitting their race time. 

Packet and t-shirt pick-up will be Thursday, October 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the entrance to the Hesston Bakery and Cafe in Hesston, and Friday, October 2 at Bluestem PACE from 4 to 6 p.m. Both the male and female first place finisher will receive a pair of running shoes from Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., in McPherson.

Along with Midway Motors, several local businesses are sponsoring the event, allowing 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit the care of seniors that Bluestem PACE provides. Race sponsors include Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., CHS, Farmer’s Alliance, Ferguson Production, Heartbeat Coffee, Hesston Bakery & Cafe, Hillsboro Hometown Pharmacy, Home State Bank, Krehbiel’s Meats, Legacy Eyecare, McPherson Concrete Productions, McPherson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, McPherson Quality Air, Mid-Kansas Cylinder Head, Inc., MTC, Prairie Land Partners, Prairie Landworks, and Scooters.