Apple Blossom 5K adds new challenge to St. Joseph tradition
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Apple Blossom Parade has been a long standing tradition in St. Joseph spanning over a century, however for the last two years, Sisters of Solace and BFIT CrossFit have added a challenge to the tradition which supports both St. Joseph residents' health and a good cause.
The Apple Blossom 5K will be hosted by Sisters of Solace, a non-profit group in St. Joseph that supports women survivors of trauma, human trafficking and addiction.
“Not only are we about helping our ladies become the best version of themselves, the CrossFit community is all about becoming the best version of themselves, as well (as), through various factors of health," Sisters of Solace founder Stacy Kerns said. "So it's a great partnership that we paired up with BFIT CrossFit to bring the Apple Blossom 5K and a few little functional fitness events to go along with it.”
Sisters of Solace supports local women with two-year residential healing program that provides food, clothing and shelter to survivors for free. The process aims to build the women up, to reconnect with families and live financially independent lives. While in the program, the women learn entrepreneurial skills by designing, manufacturing and marketing their own products.
“We believe that Lavish Love heals and we walk side by side with our sisters and help them through that process," Executive Director Tina Clark said. "and at the end, it's amazing to see that they are financially independent, recovered, have careers, homes, reunited with their children and they're always reaching back in the community. So it's just a beautiful process to see that generational impact and change happen in our community.”
Participants can choose to walk or run in the traditional 5K. Those looking for an additional challenge can opt in to do "burden runs" by choosing between doing a tandem run connected with a partner, carrying a kettle bell with a partner or taking turns carrying a 50 or 75 pound sand bag with a team.
Former participant of the 2024 5K, Colton Wynes, said the burden run offered an excellent opportunity for those wanting to push their limits.
"We did the burden challenge," Wynes said. "So there's four team members and we did the 70 pound sandbag carry and we rotated that in between each team member. It was hard and definitely a challenge for anyone who's wanting a good challenge or (to) push themselves."
The Apple Blossom 5K will take place right before the Apple Blossom Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, beginning in the Aquatic Park parking lot. Those interested in signing up for the race can visit the Apple Blossom 5K's registration page at runsignup.com.
