This week, staff writer Patrice Wilding talks with Rachel Stahl about the upcoming Super Hero 5K and Kids’ Event sponsored by NEPA Community Health Care, which will benefit Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
Residence: New Milford
Occupation: Critical care nurse
Title: President of MWS Race Team Association
Q: Tell us about your son, who was the inspiration for this event.
A: Matthew Waldron Stahl was born June 15, 2004, in Scranton to me and my husband, John. He was a little brother to Michayla and, five years later, became a big brother to Jack. He died suddenly in 2012 when a wind gust brought down a large branch on top of him. This was just before Hurricane Sandy hit, and Matt was running to our little barn to check on our calves that we just rescued. Our community held us up and helped us through this horrible nightmare. Because of this, we wanted to give back, but weren’t sure how. As a runner, I was participating in races that raised money for only local charities. That’s where the idea for MWS Race Team came into play. We settled on a superhero theme because Matt loved “Iron Man,” and our community were our heroes.
Q: Describe the route for the 5K, and who the race is open to.
A: The route starts at Bridgewater Church on Route 167 and goes along Lake Chrisann. It is an out-and-back course on dirt roads. Pets are allowed and encouraged to dress up. It is a very scenic course and can be completed by all skill levels.
Q: What else will be on hand at this event?
A: In addition to a 5K, the event features a kids’ fun run and a superhero obstacle course. We also have sit-down activities, all of which are free. Children may be left while parents participate in the walk/run. The Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion team is there to refuel our runners with chocolate milk and to serve ice cream sundaes at no cost, and we have medals for top runners overall and in each age group, and prizes for best costumes. Lunch is available for only $5. Raffle baskets are extremely popular and we also will have a photo booth set up.
Q: What is unique about this fundraising event?
A: This fundraising event is very family-friendly and extremely affordable. This year, we have a virtual 5K option for people who cannot attend the actual event. You register online, then run or walk 3.5 miles wherever you are.
If you go
- What: Super Hero 5K and Kids’ Event
- When: Sunday, June 22; check-in and kids’ activities start at 9 a.m.; race, 10; lunch and awards, 11; raffle drawings, 11:30
- Where: Bridgewater Church, 10142 Route 167, Montrose
- Details: To pre-register for $25, visit RunSignUp.com/SuperHeroEvent by 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21. For more information on the organization, visit MWSRaceTeam.org or email info@MWSRaceTeam.org.
Patrice Wilding is a 13-year employee of the Lifestyles Dept. at The Times-Tribune, where she worked her way up from a clerk to a web video producer to a full-time reporter, writer and copy editor. An Olyphant native, she graduated from Mid Valley Secondary Center and earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with concentration in media arts, political science and communications from Wesley College, Dover, Delaware. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, Justin, and their son, Johnny. Contact: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369; @pwildingTT
