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Help for Haiti: Christian academy to host 5K benefit run

Robert C. Reed | Hickory Daily Record

Tracy Robinson, headmaster at Hickory Christian Academy, and Carole Johncock display some of the new and gently used shoes students have collected.

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Hickory Christian Academy

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: August 27, 2009

HICKORY - Think you're the fastest runner on the block?

Then come out to Hickory Christian Academy on Saturday and prove it at the third annual Knights 5K Run.

"It started as a fundraiser for the school and has turned into a community outreach," said Tracy Robinson, headmaster for Hickory Christian Academy.

The school collects new or gently used shoes in the days leading up to the race and at the race itself, said Carole Johncock, coordinator for the Knights 5K. Although they'll take any type of shoes, athletic shoes are preferred. Shoes for adults and children are needed.

"I'm on the board of directors for New Vision Ministry," Robinson said, adding that it's a nonprofit ministry in Haiti. "Some of my friends and I met a pastor from Haiti a few years ago. We wanted to experience what he was doing in St. Marc, and we went down there."

Robinson said he goes to Haiti every six months, taking supplies with him. Sometimes it's food, sometimes clothing. On his next trip, it will be the shoes collected at the Knights 5K Run.

"Most Haitians don't own shoes, so shoes for any age would be a blessing," Robinson said.

If you don't want to participate in the race but would still like to donate shoes, they can be dropped off at Hickory Christian Academy from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 4, Robinson said.

Johncock said many of the people who participate in the race donate the shoes they're wearing, taking them off after they run.

It's not too late to register for the Knights 5K Run. The race has 100 students from Hickory Christian Academy registered, but it's not just for students, Johncock said.

"More than 300 people ran in it last year, and they were from all around the area, including Charlotte and Statesville," she said.

Early registration is $15. You can also register at the school on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and on race day from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Registration on Friday and Saturday is $20. The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and starts at Hickory Christian Academy, 3260 Sixth Street Drive, NW, and goes on the road in front of the school, leading to N.C. 127.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners. Top runners in other age categories will also be recognized.

For more information, call the school at 324-5405.