Annual Wynnton UMC race benefits local agencies
What started out as a way for one man to use his gifts, talents and passions to serve others has turned into a well-known annual event in the Columbus area.
Wynnton United Methodist Church’s annual Midtown Classic 5K Race and One Mile Fun Run has raised more than $50,000 to help support two local non-profit organizations, the Wynnton Neighborhood Network and Wynnton Neighborhood Housing.
Birthed out of an August 2006 day-long leadership training, planning and visioning session led by former Wynnton UMC pastor Rev. Mike Ricker, running enthusiast and former Wynnton UMC member Dominick (Dom) Edwards had a vision of the church hosting a 5K race. A major in the United States Army, Edwards was re-stationed in the summer of 2007, but the race continues each year.
“As a church that has been located in Midtown Columbus for over 80 years, we are excited to celebrate the beauty and spirit of this area,” said Wynnton UMC member and race volunteer Jenny Horton. “In sponsoring this event, we promote Midtown as our race course runs through the heart of that area. We also share a deep commitment to make a difference in people’s lives in this Midtown area through ministry and mission.”
All proceeds of the race benefit two non-profit agencies in the Wynnton area of Columbus, the Wynnton Neighborhood Network and Wynnton Neighborhood Housing. The Wynnton Neighborhood Network provides food and other necessities to more than 100 families, and Wynnton Neighborhood Housing improves the quality of life through the elimination of substandard housing in the East Wynnton neighborhood.
“The goal of the race really became three-fold,” said Stacy Avera, wife of former Wynnton UMC associate pastor Rev. Matt Avera. “To raise money for two non-profit organizations in the Midtown area, to bring people into contact with Wynnton United Methodist Church and to bring attention to the Midtown area of Columbus, which is in the process of revitalization. The goal has never been to raise money for the church – all proceeds are given away and Wynnton UMC is the race’s biggest sponsor every year.”
One of the race’s goals, organizers say, is to introduce people to Wynnton UMC – the physical building as well as the members. To this end, both the One Mile Fun Run and 5K Race courses begin and end at the church.
“We have had people begin attending Wynnton each year after they came to participate in the 5K,” said Avera, who has served on the race committee all four years. “Some have even joined and one is a co-chair on the 5K committee.”
Race day is a busy and fun one, consisting of the one-mile run, the 5K race, and an after-race party featuring free food and drinks and a live local Christian band. During the party, door prizes and awards are presented.
Everything about the race – from plotting the course to fundraising to publicity – is done by lay members of Wynnton UMC.
“This 5K is planned, organized and run by the laity of the church,” Avera said. “There are times we have questions and know we can go to Pastor Mike or Pastor Matt for direction, encouragement and support. They are also both at the race to do their part in working as a volunteer. But this is not ‘staff-run,’ it is ‘laity-run.’
“As everyone works in their area of strength and accomplishes their task it all comes together, just as the body of Christ ought to.”
The race has grown each year since its inception in 2007. Race participants have more than doubled, as has the amount of money given to Wynnton Neighborhood Network and Wynnton Neighborhood Housing. This year’s race, held on Saturday, April 24, brought thunderstorms and rain, but attendance and participation were still strong and organizers say they gained confidence that the race could be completed no matter the circumstances.
“We see this as an opportunity to witness and invite the Columbus community to visit our church,” Horton said. “It's great to host an event in your own backyard and extend the hands of Christ to our neighbors and to race enthusiasts from around the region. Our Midtown Classic has become a highly anticipated race every year. We are very proud of that. We are servants for the Lord and He has blessed this church and community through this event every year.”
--By Kara Witherow, South Georgia Advocate editor
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