Why You Should Run…

Day 15

Why you should run…

Run is a scary word, let’s stop saying run… let’s say participate. For those of you who have attended our race in the past, you know that it’s not really a run. Sure, we get some of those serious runners who are going to blow right by you while you are walking and catching up with friends. But, the majority of you come out with your family, walk (or run) the 5K, cheer on your kids during the 1-mile fun run and bid on our auction. The day is about the cause and maybe not so much about the calorie burn. So for those of you who have never attended the race, on Day 15 of my “Why” series, I’m giving you the top 15 reasons why YOU should run.

1. The cause. Come one. There isn’t a better one out there. Our mission is to give as much away as we can to Neuroblastoma research and that’s why we are here. Also, a small percentage of your donation will also be supporting the local Make a Wish chapter and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Lots of great things happening here.
2. It’s a family event. Kids LOVE our event. We focus the event around the family so there is something for everyone. The kids are so proud of themselves for participating and have a blast in our kid’s zone after the race. Every single kid that participates will get a medal that they can wear that shows everyone that they are making a difference.
3. The silent auction and raffle. Our auction director and her team KILLED it again this year. Everything from trips to Aruba, dinner with Coach Rivera and his wife, Tory Burch bags, Panthers tickets, Charleston trips… you name it. We will have over 150 silent auction items and 50 raffle items. All bidding can be done online and you will not believe what all we have.
4. The 10K run. For those of you who are serious runners, we offer a 10K to really get those calories burning. The 10K event is growing like crazy so expect a big crowd this year!
5. Stock up on all our new ISF gear. I’m a stickler on cool stuff for ISF. No cheap Hanes T-shirts here. Everything we slap ISF on is cool, soft, comfortable, and affordable and of course the money goes to the cause. Want a wine bag with ISF on it? How about a purple ISF selfie-stick? Yep, we got all that.
6. The ISF team. You know them, you love them. These people work all year to bring you the best event we can. They are dedicated to Isabella’s legacy and making a difference and we wouldn’t be here today without them. Be sure to stop any of our team and let them know what you like about the event and how we can make it even better. Also tell them how awesome they are.
7. Support the Isabella’s Dream Team. Over 70 people have signed up to this team and they are all training for a half or full marathon by raising money for ISF. They are working so hard and get up early day after day to train for the event in November. This is one of their training runs so cheer them on as they run the 10k this year!
8. Grant and Sophia. These kids count the minutes until this run. They are so proud to be Isabella’s brother and sister and love that this day is all about her. They freak out when they see everyone wearing their Isabella shirts that day and will be thanking and hugging all of you. This day falls right underneath Christmas morning for them so you will see two very excited children.
9. All your favorite Charlotte media personalities. Molly Grantham will be at a tent doing awesome things to raise awareness and our favorite Radio personalities; Woody and Wilcox will be MC’ing this event. I’m always nervous to see what Woody will be wearing so you may want to cover your eyes. So many of the cool people you know and love in Charlotte will be there so be on the lookout!
10. You LOVE purple. Every year we really go all out with the purple so buy those purple socks and wigs, paint those nails purple, wear those purple beads. Today is the day where there are no rules for fashion.
11. Chick Fila. Do I need to elaborate here? Probably not.
12. Support all the businesses that support us! There are so many amazing local businesses that are behind us this year. They will all be there so be sure to stop by and get to know the local businesses in your area that are behind this cause. MetLIfe and Burns Cadillac are our presenting sponsors this year and we LOVE them.
13. It’s not just a race. This is not the traditional 5K that you cross the finish line, grab your banana and head to your car. There is so much to do after the race that you won’t want to leave. Music, food, entertainment and more.
14. Phantom runner options. Can’t make the race for some reason? We know we have lots of supporters outside of Charlotte so each year we offer a Phantom Runner option so that you can support us from wherever you are! We even sent you the race shirt! You can proudly sport our shirt and bid on our auction from Florida if you want! We ship everything to you!
15. To be inspired. I can’t tell you how many people come up to me at the race and tell me it’s their first race and they can’t believe how amazing it is. Once you come one time, you come every year. People are energized and excited about what we are doing and it changes them. You’ll understand what I mean once you experience it first hand. Trust me.

This year we are tracking race participation to be up almost 50%. What that means is that it will be our biggest race ever with close to 3000 participants on race day. Online registration is open through mid-next week so be sure to register ahead of time. Race day registration can be backed up so relax knowing that you are ready to go that morning and register in advance.

The race is less than two weeks away. We are ready. Are you?

-Isabella’s mommy
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