10th annual Harvest Moon run to benefit ministry for youths

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

More than 350 participants are expected Saturday for the 10th annual Harvest Moon 10-mile Run and 5K Walk/Run.

The races start and finish at St. Philip’s Church at 1629 Beaver Grade Road in Moon.

“This race is a fundraiser for the very successful, life-changing student ministry at St. Philip’s,” said Kimberly Chickini, who volunteers to help the nondenominational church plan and organize the race each year.

The event started as a Moon student’s senior project 10 years ago, and because of its success, the church has kept it going every year since.

St. Philip’s youth ministry serves about 150 middle school and high school youths.

“We do not charge anything for kids to attend our programs,” Mrs. Chickini said. “This race helps cover the cost of the program. For example, we have a projector that we project the songs with, and that recently broke.”

Funds from the race also provide scholarships for fall and spring retreats held by the youth ministry.

“We want every kid to be able to go on our retreats, and so we offer scholarship to help anyone who can’t afford the trip,” Mrs. Chickini said.

Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The 10-mile and 5K races kick off at 8:30 a.m. The event also features a 5K stroller race at 8:35 a.m. and a kids fun run race at 9 a.m.

Following the event, the church will host post-race activities, including food, music, a basket raffle and an awards ceremony.