Hops for Hope 5K Oct. 2 to raise money for Project Mobility's adaptive bikes
The fifth annual Hops for Hope 5K returns to Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles on Saturday, Oct. 2.
Project Mobility's three largest fundraisers in 2020 were either postponed, changed to virtual or canceled. Everything done at Project Mobility relies heavily on these events. They are still trying to recover from such a tough year.
Those with disabilities are still in need, actually in need more than ever with more families staying home and doing more outdoor/safe activities such as bike rides.
It may sound like such a simple activity but to those with mobility challenges (along with the hefty price tag of an adaptive bike) it makes it nearly impossible for them to enjoy the freedom of mobility without our help.
Adaptive bikes provide life changing mobility, strength, self-esteem and the ultimate freedom for children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Cycling restores the possibilities to those whom are often told by society that their life is about limitations.
Hops for Hope 5K is a twist on the traditional 5K! The event, presented by Dogfish Head and Truly Hard Seltzer, is timed and the course is certified, whether you are a serious runner or walker who loves beer, this event is for you. They have four different options this year; in-person 5K with Beer Stops, in-person 5K with no Beer Stops, virtual 5K and awards ceremony only.
The in-person 5K will start at Mount St. Mary Park, off Route 31 in St. Charles, and head south toward Geneva on the scenic path through Wheeler Park and ending back at Mount St. Mary Park for the award ceremony.
Sign up at www.hopsforhope5k.com.
Cost for the in-person 5K with beer stops is $55 through Oct. 1 or $65 day of. It is $45 or $55 for the beer-free version. The virtual 5K is $35. Attend the awards ceremony for $15. T-shirts are included with registrations in by Sept. 23.
Proceeds benefit Project Mobility's mission to bring adaptive cycling opportunities to the lives of children, adults, and wounded service members with emotional and physical challenges.
Throughout the 5K, there will be six "refueling stations (Beer Stops)" featuring local craft breweries handing out 3-oz. beer samples to runners.
The event will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the award ceremony featuring a live band, more beer, food, and adaptive bike giveaway presentation.
All runners must be 21 years or older and show a valid ID day of the race. They will be following all CDC/local guidelines relating to COVID. Keeping participants safe is their number one priority.
To learn more about Project Mobility, email info@projectmobility.org or visit www.projectmobility.org.
Hal Honeyman, founder of Project Mobility has been involved with bicycles as a sport, business, and recreation since 1975. With The Bike Rack, his family bicycle shop in St. Charles. Honeyman's interest in "adaptive cycling" - bicycles for people with disabilities - was spurred when his own son Jacob was born with cerebral palsy. He wanted to find a way for Jacob to join the family when bicycle riding. After Jacob's needs were met, Honeyman found specialized bikes for other disabled children and began creating specialized bikes when other bikes were not available or did not exist for that particular disability. This led to the formation of Project Mobility: Cycles for Life.
Follow www.facebook.com/ProjectMobility.org/.