BERKELEY – This 5K really has people going places.
The Little Carly Foundation is hosting the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 29 at Veterans Park in Bayville. The route will start at the pavilion, loop around Central Regional High School, and end back at the park.
But it’s about more than the steps that make up the five kilometers.
Little People of America, which offers support and quality of life improvements for people of short stature and their families, has a national conference that is very informative and offers a place for people to connect.
The cost to attend, once things like travel and food are factored in, could cost $3-5,000, said Carly Ruhnke.
The goal of the 5K is to be able to give three families grants to help them on their way, she said.
“I’ve been a member since 2008 or so. A lot of people helped me along the way. I want to give back to the LPA community like they gave to me,” she said.
Carly and her brother started the foundation a few years back and they’ve cultivated a strong group of volunteers. “I couldn’t do it without them.”
They have 20 sponsors and 55 attendees as of press time. The color of the event materials is purple to represent dwarfism.
Attendants can run or walk, and volunteers are always welcome. The price is $30 for adults and $20 for students. Sponsorship is $100 and the company’s name will be on the event t-shirt, water bottle, and bracelet.
“I’m so grateful and humble about it and I’m looking forward to having a good time,” Carly said.
People can register online to attend or sign up when they arrive, paying in cash, check or even Venmo.
For more information, visit Little Carly Foundation on Facebook.
