5K promotes fitness as a path to recovery

NonprofitSports

Oct 8

Written By Staff

Guiding Light, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit committed to helping individuals recover from addiction, is bringing together the community to support a powerful message: fitness and physical activity are vital tools in the journey to lasting recovery from addiction.

Guiding Light’s annual 5K Run/Walk returns to Millennium Park on October 11 at 9 a.m. All race proceeds go directly to support Guiding Light recovery programming. The goal of this year’s race is to raise $18,000, enough to fully fund Women’s Recovery fitness programming for an entire year.

Held during National Recovery Month, the Guiding Light 5K is a celebration of physical transformation, resilience, and the power of community.

“Recovery is about rebuilding the mind, body, and spirit,” said Mark Scheffler, Guiding Light alum, current Operations Manager at Guiding Light, and Race Director. “When I was in the program, I ran as a way to connect with my body again. Today, I lead fitness classes for others going through what I once did. The 5K symbolizes that full-circle moment for so many of us.”

The race funds will support Guiding Light’s Recovery fitness programming, including:

· YMCA group memberships

· Weekly CrossFit classes and Tabata workouts

· Yoga and mindfulness sessions

· Subsidized gym memberships for sober-living residents

· Other community race participation

· Outdoor activities like paddleboarding, pickleball, and cycling

“Fitness builds confidence, accountability, and joy,” said Brian Spyke, Director of Operations at Guiding Light. “When we invest in the physical health of those of us in recovery, we’re investing in their future.”

This year’s race is presented by Aspen Investment Management Inc., with additional support from partners including Bauer Products and Gazelle Sports, among others. To learn more, visit www.guidinglightworks.org/5k

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