Red Bank United Methodist Church Run for God co-directors Wendi Meagher, left, and Jamie Harvey are ready to run.
Photo by Katie WardRed Bank United Methodist Church is recruiting runners to get ready, set and go Run for God.
The Run for God team will begin training sessions July 6 and continue through Sept. 21. Team members will run Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Henry Luken Arena in Red Bank behind Red Bank High School.
"It's a spiritual and fitness program combined," said RBUMC Run for God co-director Wendi Meagher. "You can increase your fitness as well as your spiritual level at the same time."
Run for God is a 12-week program for all ages, both male and female, who train accountability partners. The first week session begins with 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking alternating for 20 minutes. The ultimate goal will be for participants to run in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure 5K Sept. 25.
"The runner is empowered through the program to feel better and to develop the discipline to be active," said RBUMC Run for God co-director Jamie Harvey. "Runners will meet and walk around the Red Bank High School track or run from the boxing building down to the pool and make a loop. On rainy days we will run around the ring at Henry Luken."
She said the Run for God scripture verse is "let us run the race that God has set before us," taken from Hebrews 12:1.
A recent fire at the church's gym facility isn't slowing down its racing spirit.
"Due to the Red Bank United Methodist Church gym facility being damaged by fire, we will meet at the Henry Luken boxing building," said Harvey. "The fire was contained in the gym and the water from the sprinkler system barely missed the sanctuary. Despite the building damage, the church will move forward with Run for God with God's help."
She said the goal is to recruit at least 30 runners, but more would be a blessing.