Southport Magazine

Run fast and make a splash!

STORY BY: MICHAYLA FULLWOOD, ABBIE PROPST AND RACHEL VAN NORDT

Lace up your shoes and get ready to jump in the lake! Southport Rotary Club is presenting a 10k, 5k, and 1.5 mile fun run in Boiling Spring Lakes. On the morning of Sept. 6, these three races will be held at Spring Lake Park and will end with a splash in the lake! A competition will be held at the finish line to see who can make the biggest splash.

This community event allows all age groups to participate, whether they are a seasoned runner or a novice.

The first wave of runners will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the 10k race. This will be followed by the 5k at 8:40 a.m. and the fun run at 8:45 a.m. When the races have concluded, an awards ceremony will be held at the finish line at approximately 9:40 a.m. Online registration has already begun and can be completed by going to https://its-go-time.com/go-jump-in-the-lake/.

The web page also lists details of the event. More information can be acquired by calling Jonathan Richmond at (910) 368-9073.

Prices for the 5k and 10k events range from $25-35. The fun run prices range from $15-20. Children ages 6-10 can run any race for $10. Children under the age of 5 can participate in any event for free, but must pay $10 to receive a t – shirt.

Prices are reduced for early registration, so add your name to the list soon! All participants who register before Aug. 15 are guaranteed a free “Go! Jump in the Lake” unisex t – shirt. Online registration closes Sept. 3 at midnight. There is a packet pickup and an on-site registration Sept. 4 at the Pepperoni Grill in Boiling Spring Lakes from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

For a last minute sign-up, there will be an on-site registration from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Spring Lake on the day of the races. Runners, be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your race starts!

Participants are asked to wear their race number on the front of their shirt. Walkers and strollers are welcome, but are asked to line up in the back of their running group. Cash prizes are awarded to the fastest male and female runners in the 5k and 10k events. The biggest splash winners will also receive a prize. All age groups have an opportunity to win a prize.

By being a part of this race, one has an opportunity to support the Boiling Spring Lakes community and the New Hope Clinic. The majority of the proceeds will benefit the New Hope Clinic.

This organization provides a multitude of health services to those in Brunswick County that come from uninsured, low-income homes.

Founded in 1998, the New Hope Clinic was created by a group of hospital, emergency room doctors who hoped to prevent ER emergencies with basic, primary care.

The clinic began in a borrowed classroom at the Brunswick Community College annex in Southport. Once a month, their doors would open for the local community. There were almost as many volunteers as patients. The clinic changed buildings twice and began opening more often to suit the needs of Brunswick County. In 2010, the New Hope Clinic moved to a facility in Boiling Spring Lakes. The new location provides privacy for patients as well as space for multiple providers at the same time.

They are able to give dental, psychiatric, chiropractic, optic, and primary health care. Health education programs, diabetes education, weight management support groups, and health literacy classes are a few of the other services that this establishment offers. The clinic also has an on-site pharmacy. This allows prescriptions from the providers to be filled even more conveniently. Patients are able to visit a doctor, go next door to the food bank, and return to pick up their prescriptions. By providing all of these services, the workers at the clinic hope to treat the whole patient. Community groups such as the Kiwanis Club donate services and items to this facility to make sure it meets the needs of its patients.

The New Hope Clinic partnered with the Southport Rotary Club just last year. Go! Jump in the Lake has been an extremely valuable event for the clinic. Benefits from this race will go to the programs and services of the clinic. Making sure their doors are open and services are provided to everyone in need is their top priority.

Apart from the proceeds that are donated, the event is used as a goal for those who take part in the weight management courses. Patients, staff and volunteers participate in these races. The clinic supports this race and its mission to make a healthy impact on the community. Whether it’s running or walking, this community event promotes the health of everyone involved.