Friends set fifth annual Joan Wilson Memorial Run

The fifth annual Joan Wilson Memorial 5K Run/Walk, honoring a mother, wife, and friend, will kickoff at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Le Mars Municipal Park Maser Fitness Trail in Le Mars.

The race, organized by the Friends of Joan Wilson, honor the woman who died in a hit-and-run accident while running on a gravel road near her home northwest of Le Mars in May 2004.

Registrations for the walk/run are still being accepted by contacting Connie Engebretson at 712-546-9556, Linda Meis at 712-546-7720 or by e-mail at jwmemorial5k@yahoo.com.

Packet pick-up and registration will be from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. Saturday at the Maser Fitness Trail Map at the Le Mars Municipal Park upper parking lot, where the race will start. Entry fee is $17 on race day with a t-shirt (while supplies last) or $6 with no shirt.

The course will follow the paved loop of the Maser Fitness Trail around the golf course and park.

The overall 5K male and female winners will receive $30 and an award, with second place overall winners receiving $20 and an award.

The top two place winners in the eight age groups will also receive an award. The groups are: 10 and under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59, and 60 and over.

Organizers advise runners that due to the unpredictable April weather, they should be prepared for inclement weather. There will be no make-up date or refunds.

At the website, www.joanwilsonmemorial5k.com, created by her friends, Wilson is described as "an incredible woman whose love for God and for her family was apparent in every aspect of her life. The loss of Joan in a hit and run jogging accident devastated many, but her spirit carries on as a tribute to the way she lived her life."

The mother of four was active in her church, Mothers of Preschoolers, and in the family business with her husband Neil.

"Her zest for life and love of the outdoors, as witnessed in her adventure racing, make (the race) the perfect vehicle by which to honor her memory," the friends continue on the website.

A portion of the proceeds from the race are donated to the Holt International Children's Services. Joan and Neil adopted their four children through the Holt organization and the memorial run sponsor a child each year in her memory.

Last year more than 150 runners and walkers prticipated in the race at the park.