A sweet jaunt through Candy Land in Richland this November will not only feature a bout of exercise and some delightful treats. It will also raise funds to support the hope, healing, and restoration of local survivors of sex trafficking in the Tri-Cities.
Mirror Ministries kicks off its inaugural Candy Land Run on Saturday, Nov. 4, on Candy Mountain—71004 E 669 PR NE in Richland.
“This is a fun event for the whole family that goes toward a fantastic cause – helping local individuals find freedom in our area,” said Tricia MacFarlan, Mirror Ministries executive director. “We have the perfect location for this sweets-inspired run here in the Tri-Cities—Candy Mountain. And what better way to get your carbs in than to enjoy a few treats along the way?”
The run features three routes that range in difficulty:
- Gumdrop loop | 1.25 miles | $20 (virtual pre-registration) | 9 a.m. start
- Chocolate route | 3.5 miles | $30 (virtual pre-registration) | 8:45 a.m. start
- Licorice trail | 6.21 miles (10 kilometers) | $40 (virtual pre-registration) | 8:30 a.m. start
A virtual option is also available from Nov. 5-12 for those who prefer to complete their run/walk throughout the week.
A variety of sweets will be given to participants at designated stops along the way as part of themed stations. Participants will also have the opportunity meet Candy Land characters throughout the way.
Each finisher will get a special finisher gift. Awards will also be given to the top male and female finishers (first, second, and third place) for the 3.5-mile and 10-kilometer distance.
All proceeds will support Mirror Ministries, a Tri-Cities nonprofit that helps an average of 50 local survivors of sex trafficking in a given month find freedom, hope, and healing.
“We hope the community will come out this early November for a festive morning to support the freedom of local survivors of sex trafficking while enjoying some delicious treats,” said Chris Haughee, Mirror Ministries donor development manager. “It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.”
Long-sleeved shirts and hoodies will be available for pre-order through Oct. 12 on the Candy Land Run registration website.
For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com/race/wa/richland/candylandrunhike.
The event is sponsored by ecomaids of Tri-Cities (Golden Gobstopper sponsor) and Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Pacific Clinic, Yakima Federal Savings and Loan, and Numerica Credit Union (Peppermint Prism sponsors).
“We have had tremendous support from our community partners already, especially our major sponsors,” Haughee said. “We are blessed to be in a community that cares about the problem of sex trafficking in our midst and wants to help provide family-friendly activities like our Candy Land Run at the same time.”
Media contacts:
- Tricia MacFarlan, Mirror Ministries executive director, 509-948-8792, tricia.macfarlan@mirror-ministries.org
- Chris Haughee, Mirror Ministries donor development manager, 509-303-5124, chris.haughee@mirror-ministries.org
