Abbey Trails meets runners, walkers wherever they are

The monks of Conception Abbey invite runners and walkers of all ages to join them for the 2021 virtual Abbey Trails 5K run / 2-mile walk May 1-7. With a one-week window to participate or compete, anyone can complete it on their own time from anywhere.

The virtual event has been split into two categories: those who wish to compete in the 5K, and those who wish to participate, but not compete, in the walk or run.

Competitors
Those who wish to compete in the 5K run simply download a free app called “It’s Your Race” to their phone, select and register for the 2021 Abbey Trails race, and track their run time using the app. After completing registration, they may choose a date to run their race anytime in the May 1-7 timeframe. The app will time their race and send Conception their results. Awards will be given to those in first and second place, male and female, based upon age groups and overall for the 5K.
Participants
For anyone who wishes to join for fun and does not want to track their run or walk time, there is no app download required. Conception encourages them to get moving, have fun, and have a chance to win raffle items.

 

Competitors and participants alike can win raffle items. To do so, they have to share their Abbey Trails experience on social media, tag Conception at @ConceptionAbbey, tag one friend, and use the hashtag #AbbeyTrails! Each social media post equals one raffle entry. Wearing an Abbey Trails t-shirt and bib in the post adds one more raffle entry. Winners will be announced on their social media accounts the following week.

“Having these two categories for our Abbey Trails runners and walkers allows us to meet them where they are,” said Event Coordinator Trish Wiederholt. “What’s most important is not who wins, but that people are physically active and are caring for their overall well-being.”

Conception Abbey acknowledges exercise as an important factor in maintaining a balanced and healthy life. Abbey Trails allows the monks and seminarians of Conception Abbey and Conception Seminary College to promote their values of health and wellness with the event’s participants.

For more than 25 years, Abbey Trails has promoted physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being on our campus and in the local communities and builds community among runners and walkers connected with Conception Abbey. Proceeds from the event are used to promote health and wellness initiatives at Conception and in the local community. This year, Abbey Trails is reaching a new audience.

“We already have people registered from all areas of the country, so we are excited to share our message of overall health and wellness with some we haven’t reached in person with this event before,” Wiederholt said.

A corporate challenge is open to businesses and organizations. Businesses can gather employees and compete for the traveling trophies for most participants from one business and the fastest average time in the 5K run.

Registration is $25 per participant and includes an Abbey Trails t-shirt and a packet with health and wellness items from sponsors.

Signing up by Friday, April 16 is encouraged to ensure receiving t-shirt and packet before the kickoff date, May 1.