Join us on Saturday, October 24th 2020 for the Valor Challenge, we are teaming together as small groups to participate in a fun, physical activity and to fellowship with our friends as we celebrate how God has faithfully blessed our community at Avail Academy!

What is the Valor 5K Challenge?

The 5K Challenge has a rich history of celebrating Christian education and building community. This race was started in 2011 by Avail Academy with the goal of raising awareness about Christian education in the twin cities. The 5K Challenge gives the Avail Academy community of friends, alumni, parents, staff and students a chance to come together to celebrate their amazing mission. All money raised from the event supports Avail Academy.

 Students come to Avail Academy with a wide range of abilities, talents, and interests.  Every child is uniquely gifted to serve God in His world. Your generous gifts are an investment that will be multiplied in the lives of our students... throughout this year and wherever God calls them to serve Him in the future. Thank you for your support!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

7:30 am: Race day registration and check-in begins
9:00 am: 5K starts

PARKING:

A pay lot is located northeast of the Bandshell. (The pay lot to the west of the Bandshell will be unavailable.) On-street parking is available all the way around the Lake. An additional pay lot is located on Roseway Road on the East side of the Lake (near the Rose Garden). Note that Lake Harriet Parkway is a one-way street directed counterclockwise around the lake, so plan your driving accordingly.

REGISTRATION:

FREE!  You will have an opportunity to give a tax-deductible contribution during the registration process.

FAQ:

Will this race be chip-timed? We’d love to provide that level of accuracy, but our permit with the Park and Rec Board does not allow for chip timing. We will have a clock at the finish line, though there will be a little give and take, based on when you pass the starting line. This is a fun run and is not USATF certified. If you’re timing yourself with a GPS-based phone or watch, there may be slight variability in the final distance.

That’s a lot of people to have running on one path. What can the runners and walkers do to alleviate the congestion? So true, and thanks for asking! J Participants will be encouraged to start in corrals, according to their anticipated finish times. This year, we’re starting in the parking lot to avoid congestion on the trail at the start. While you’re running or walking, keep your eyes up to watch for folks you may meet who are not part of the race. And in the spirit of fun and community-building, keep the safety of all on the trail as a top priority!

I want to walk in the 5K, but I also want to watch my kids pass the finish line. How can I do both? If you’d prefer to be at the finish line, you may delay your starting time for the walk until after the runners are finished. You’ll still register as a walker and receive a shirt, but your time won’t be recorded according to the race clock.

Can I run while pushing my child(ren) in a stroller? And if so, do I need to pay extra? You certainly can. And there is no additional charge for your additional workout. We recommend that you start near the back of the pack to avoid contact with the ambitious runners at the front, just to be safe.

What is included in the post-race programming? Awards, food, a bouncy house, games for kids, a 50 yard dash for kiddos, more food, and loads of fun and community!

May I wear headphones while I run? Headphones are permitted in the race, but we will be sharing the course with the general public. Please be respectful, since we are the school’s ambassadors. (And we think you’ll have a more enjoyable race listening to the kids running near you!)

Will there be a bag check at registration? Unfortunately, no.

Any further questions? Please contact race directors - Amy Anderson a.anderson5771@gmail.com or Angela Byers angelablankespoor@hotmail.com