Hospital Hustle 5K is Saturday

Submitted file photo

LUDINGTON — Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital will hold its 2^nd annual “Hospital Hustle” this Saturday, May 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the hospital. The run/walk event includes 5K and one mile routes and is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

“After a successful trial run last year with hospital employees, we want to open the event up to the community,” said Helen Johnson, VP of nursing and patient services, who initiated the event. “We had about 200 staff and family members at the inaugural event. We hope many others will join us this year.”

New moms and babies to benefit

“There is no entrance fee,” said Johnson, “but we will accept free-will donations. Since it’s Mother’s Day weekend, any proceeds will finance special services to help new moms and their babies get off to a good start.”

Children are encouraged to join parents for the event, and each child will receive a medal for participating.  Some people even have their dogs as running partners.

Participants can register on the day of the event, starting at 9:30 a.m.. The hustle begins in the hospital’s southwest parking lot, adjacent to Ludington Avenue (US 10). Water and snacks will be provided at the race site.

This year there are two routes. The “One Mile Hustle” route will encircle the hospital campus and the immediate neighborhood. The “5K Hustle” route will go north through the hospital grounds to Tinkham Ave., then west to Harrison, make a short loop and return to the hospital. There will be volunteers stationed along the route to assist participants.