Maeve Taylor
Print Editor
Jim Schoemehl 5K Run will celebrate its 20th year running this May.
The run was created in 2001 by a WGHS marketing/DECA student after Jim Schoemehl, the husband of a WGHS teacher, was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). According to the website, “ALS has devastating effects on the victims and their friends and family. The Jim Schoemehl Run exists to help them all through the battle.”
Run director and marketing teacher Kathryn Laurentius, regarding the 20th anniversary, said, “The teacher and students that started the event are planning to come this year to participate and celebrate and I think that is such a cool experience, for them to see what they started 20 years later is probably an amazing experience.”
Every year, the run accepts donations and sponsorships to raise money for the ALS Association of St. Louis, as well as an individual affected by ALS and their family. This year, the beneficiary is Boris (Bo) Powell.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the operations of the race have had to be changed from other years. The 2019 race was fully virtual, and this year, there are options to participate in person and virtually. Other changes include the elimination of water stations, children’s events, the one-mile Fun Run and formal awards ceremonies
Those participating in the run are expected to wear masks during warm-ups, cool-downs and when picking up their packets, but during the race itself, they may be removed. Race start times will be staggered to ensure that runners are spread out.
Additionally, VP of Sponsorship and senior Reagan Austin, said, “It absolutely has. From my position, it is a lot harder to ask local companies for money because COVID has impacted them so much.”
Those interested in the in-person race can register up until the day of the run on Saturday, May 1, though due to the limited availability of slots at each start time, earlier registration is recommended. Those interested in the virtual race can submit their time from April 24 to May 7.
To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=108149. To donate, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MO/SaintLouis/JimSchoemehlRunforALS. To volunteer, fill out the Google form. For more information, visit their website at http://jims5k.org/.
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Maeve Taylor – Print EditorThis is Maeve Taylor’s second year on the Echo as the podcast editor, after making several contributions to the Echo while taking journalism her freshman year. |
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