Run With Your Heart: Alpena 5k Race Raises Funds For Children’s Hospital of Michigan

The run with your heart 5k race is taking place in Alpena on June 22nd to spread awareness about congenital heart defects and raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

“So the race is a charity event for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, which is where our sister, was treated. She had surgery there for her congenital heart defect and where she passed away” said race director, Izzy Szymanski.

“It’s going to start at the Northern Lights Arena. part of it is going to be on trails on the cross, the old cross country course for the high school, part of it will be on pavement also. So it’s a new course nobody’s seen it before, so we’re excited about that. we designed the course together” said race director, Madi Szymanski.

The race is $25 if you register in advance and $35 for same day registration. The race is free for children 12 and under.

“There are medals for the top 18 finishers in the five K, and we will have medals for any kiddos that finish, in the one mile or the five K that aren’t top 18 also” said Szymanski.

The one mile begins at 9am and the 5k race starts at 9:30am. Syzmanski asks that you wear red or blue during the race in support of congenital heart defect awareness.

“Every 15 minutes in the US, child is born with a congenital heart defect. It takes less than 15 minutes to run a one mile so we just ask that you come out” said Szymanski.

If interested in making a donation you can stop by the United Way of Northeast Michigan.