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Wesleyan Life

5,000 Turn Out for Skyline's Run in the Mud

Over 3,200 runners and 2,000 spectators participated in the third annual San Diego Mud Run sponsored by La Mesa's Skyline Church on April 13. Three years ago Sean Howarter, Skyline's pastor of sports and missions, conceived the idea to sponsor a 5K run. Since then, this annual outreach event has gained great respect in the local and national sports community. Participants have come from across Southern California and from other parts of the country.

Prior to this year's event, Pastor Jim Garlow spoke briefly on 1 Corinthians 9, Paul's admonition to runners that they not only run to win first place but run "the big race" for a heavenly reward. Garlow said, "The real joy is welcoming thousands of persons onto our campus. And the major delight is sharing the gospel with 3,200 runners and 2,000 of their friends. It has become one of Skyline's most exciting days."

Hours before the noon count down, 400 Skyline volunteers, food venders, major athletic sponsors, and medics took their places across the 138-acre mountain property of Skyline Wesleyan Church. To accommodate the large number of competitors, participants were encouraged to park at the local community college and were shuttled to the church campus by bus. According to Lisa Mills, sports ministry assistant at Skyline, "This was a great day! Of course, many were blessed by the fun atmosphere, however there were others, that were not actually here, who were blessed, as well, by all the participants."

Supporting the church's mission to make a difference in people's lives, a portion of the funds raised through the event was given to Sonshine Haven, a relief organization that serves the homeless, and Home Front San Diego, which supports military families.

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