Run Pray 5K — Showers of Blessing
Just a couple of days before the Run, the organizers’ text thread was filled with screenshots from different weather apps predicting how much rain might fall on Sunday. The heaviest rain was forecast right during the 5K itself.
Some of my favorite runs have been in the rain. Still, rain makes you think about things like the sound equipment the band would need. And when the weather app says there’s an 80% chance of precipitation, that doesn’t really tell you whether to expect a drizzle or a downpour.
On Sunday, it rained.
Sound equipment was set up in the rain. Iglesia Roca De Refugio moved their church gathering to the park so they could join us, holding service right before the Run Pray event began. Different clouds rolled through and shared their precipitation throughout the morning. Then, almost unexpectedly, the clouds dissipated during the church service and at the beginning of the race. It was as if we had been given a brief window to gather, worship, and begin together.
With expectant runners gathered at the starting line, Jim Yellico explained the new course.
Marks. Get set. Go!
The Rio Grande Trail speaks a little louder about elevation change when you’re actually running it. Yet we are so blessed to live in the mountains. Mount Sopris remained veiled in clouds, but those same clouds brought other hills and summits into focus. By the time runners reached their first mile, the clouds had returned and the drizzle resumed.
As you know, when we struggle, it can be hard to see the beauty around us.
A 5K is just long enough to settle into the struggle, find a pace, and begin to reflect. That’s part of why we called this event the Run Pray 5K. In moments like that, prayer resonates within us. Through this event, we want to encourage people to pray for the young people in our community.
As the final finishers crossed the line, music from La Roca’s worship team filled the air. A steady drizzle kept us cool. Racers turned in their bibs at the Slow Groovin’ BBQ truck for a sandwich, and the warm food tasted especially good on that chilly afternoon.
Perhaps the weather kept some people at home, but the rain itself was an answer to prayer, and we were grateful for every drop. Yes, some of us were cold, but no one was disappointed in the rain.
A Band Called Alexis played for a smaller crowd than usual, yet they sang in the drizzling rain with undampened enthusiasm.
We want to thank all of you who came out and participated. All of us at YFC felt deeply encouraged by how well this event went. Yes, there are a few things we hope to improve next year, but overall it was a wonderful day.
Several students from New Creation Church also raised funds toward their summer camp experiences through the event, and we are excited for what God will continue to do in the lives of all the students going to camp this year.
Thank you to everyone who made the day possible: the volunteers on the course, Iglesia Roca De Refugio and their church family, Slow Groovin’ BBQ, A Band Called Alexis, and every runner, walker, and supporter who shared their joyful presence.
Praise God for His showers of blessings!