Miami Children’s Hospital gave “marathon” a whole new meaning. To begin the second annual Miami Children’s Hospital 5K (MCH5K) presented by TotalBank, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation hosted a tread- mill marathon in the hospital’s main lobby on Wednesday, June 6, through Thursday, June 7.
But instead of going the standard marathon length of 26.2 miles, approximately 80 doctors, nurses, staff, patients and members of the community relayed for 26.2 hours (26 hours, 12 minutes).
For a donation, each participant ran or walked a 20-minute leg, which totaled a distance of 102.5 miles, raising nearly $2,000 for the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH).
Kyle Fernandez, 14, won a $75 gift certificate to SoleRunners for going 2.7 miles in 20 minutes, the longest distance of any participant.
Dr. M. Narendra Kini, MCH president and CEO, started the festivities at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, MCH Foundation president and CEO, concluded the relay at 9:12 a.m. on Thursday.
“We are incredibly grateful to the individuals who came from near and far to support this event and help raise funds and awareness for our cause,” Morillo-Agnetti said. “We look forward to members of our surrounding community stepping up again in support of the children and families we serve by participating in our MCH5K.”
The event served as an opportunity for run- ners and walkers to sign up for the second annual MCH5K presented by TotalBank on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Runners and walkers can register for $30. Participants also can begin fundraising and cre- ate a team to make an even bigger difference in the lives of the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital.
Runners and walkers will receive a custom dry-fit shirt, a commemorative medal, profes- sional timing and access to the sponsors expo and health fair, post-event celebration and awards for top finishers.
Additionally, students between the ages of 10 and 18 can participate for $20. Following the MCH5K, children ages 2-9 will have an opportunity to participate in a Kids Fun Race for $10. Kids receive a custom T-shirt, a com- memorative medal, and access to the Kids Zone, sponsors expo and health fair, and post- event celebration.
Sponsors of the treadmill marathon included TotalBank, Fitnessmith, SoleRunners, Vita Coco and Muscle Milk.
To learn more about the Foundation and offer support, visit www.mchf.org or call 305-666-2889.
