A primetime run for the needy neighbors of Jackson

By RJ Walters / For the Jackson Citizen Patriot

Participants in Friday evening’s Advance Packaging 5,000 run/walk will not only be running for personal bests or awards, but for their neighbors in need.

For the 17th consecutive year, Advance Packaging Corp. is hosting a race in the Citizen Patriot Run/Walk Series that will donate all of the proceeds to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.

Race facts

• What: Advance Packaging 5,000, the second race of the Citizen Patriot Running/Walking Series
• When: Friday, race starts at 7 p.m.
• Where: Advance Packaging Corp., 2400 E. High St.
• Register: Advance Packaging Corp., $20 through Thursday, $25 on Friday
• Why: To raise money for the Jackson Interfaith Shelter

More than $50,000 has been donated to the shelter from previous races, and race Director Dave Knickerbocker said this year’s event might top last year’s record of 337 entrants.

Keith Krusky, executive director of the shelter since 1982, said generosity from events like the run/walk make helping “people who are totally destitute” possible during challenging economic times.

“Since (the money) isn’t designated for any particular thing, it goes into the general operating fund,” he said. “And the general operating fund just allows us to stay in existence to provide emergency shelter for homeless people and prepared meals.”

The shelter aims to get homeless people back into the community within 90 days, which is often how long it takes to find jobs and/or benefits to help them survive.

But Krusky said people aren’t automatically evicted after 90 days, especially if they are working diligently to create a better life for themselves.

Knickerbocker said he likes partnering with the shelter, and he’s also excited to bring people a fast, exciting race Friday night.

The 5k run and walk will start at 7 and 7:03 p.m., respectively, from Advance Packaging at 2400 E. High St.

The course runs through the industrial park and adjacent neighborhoods, using several bike paths.

“This is a good race for a possible (personal record),” Knickerbocker said. “A lot of people say this is the place they had their fastest 5k ever, either ran or walked.”

Registration continues at Advance Packaging until Friday evening.

A half-mile kids run will precede the walk and run at 6:30 p.m.