November 2, 2015

Despite the rain and clouds, an enthusiastic crowd participated in the fifth annual Run for Mercy 5K and Family Walk in Monroe, Louisiana, on Saturday, October 24. Excitement was high at Forsythe Park as families, individuals and businesses gathered for the race to benefit Mercy Multiplied.

Rob Tucker from 88.7 The Cross pumped up the crowd with inspirational music before the race began. Shari Littleton of iEncourage Fitness led runners in a few stretching exercises. Pastor Jeff Thomas of Start Baptist Church offered a prayer of blessing over the race.

The top male overall runner was Dwain McDuffie with a time of 17:08. The top female overall runner was Surmartha Wallace with a time of 23:47. Prizes were awarded to the top runners in each age category as well as the top fundraisers. Further timing results can be found at www.fitrightactive.com.

“Mercy Sisters,” a team of 14 Mercy graduates who traveled from as far as New York, took the prize for the top fundraising team, bringing in $1,685. The top overall individual fundraiser was Becca Cates who raised $630. Kids enjoyed a special kids race, face painting and an inflatable play zone.

After the race, Mercy graduate Holly shared her story of transformation with the crowd. Holly told how she had struggled with acceptance and fitting in, which led her down a dark path of addiction, unhealthy relationships and choices. After coming to Mercy she found her worth and value in Jesus Christ and is now a student at a biblical institute preparing for a service to help others find healing and purpose.

Mercy Community Relations Manager and race organizer, Dana Owens, said, “We appreciate everyone’s participation and grace for the timing issues that occurred. We are certainly working on the award adjustments that need to be made. Ultimately we know that a little rain and some minor technical glitches did not keep us from our main goal to help hurting young women find freedom.”

All proceeds raised through the race sponsorships, registration fees and donations go toward helping young women break free from life-controlling issues such as addiction, abuse, and eating disorders.

Mercy would like to thank the generous sponsors who made Monroe’s Run for Mercy possible, including top sponsors Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Central Oil & Supply, Robert J. McCormick Oil & Gas, Dr. Kevin Finley DDS, Louisiana Pain Care, and Hardeman and Misti Cordell.

If you were unable to participate in the 2015 Monroe Run for Mercy event but would still like to contribute, please click here to donate.