“Bringing the Greater Raleigh running community together through innovation, activation, and inclusivity.” This is the vision and purpose for Sir Walter Running (https://sirwalterrunning.com/), a Raleigh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded seven years ago by Pat Price, Logan Roberts, and Sandy Roberts. All three were standout competitive runners in high school, college and beyond, and all remain passionate about running, particularly running as a way to empower others to achieve real life changes.
Sandy knows CEO John Luckett and other staff members at the Mission and was familiar with the correlation between the Mission’s New Life Plan and Sir Walter Running’s own goals. Their 2020 Holiday Buffaloe 5000 was a new and creative way to host a fundraiser in the midst of a pandemic. Advertised as “the fastest virtual 5k you can find,” participants ran 5000 meters alone or in COVID-safe “pods” at Buffaloe Road Athletic Park in Raleigh or at any track or trail, then uploaded their time. All entrants received a t-shirt and category winners received fun prizes. Best part? Raleigh Rescue Mission received $1,102.50 as a result!
“While we do raise funds for our own non-profit so that we can sponsor world-class running events in the Raleigh area for all people, it was important for us, especially this year, to give back to the community,” says Pat. “We intend to grow our relationship with Raleigh Rescue Mission. Hearing success stories of those whose lives have been impacted positively from setting goals and achieving them through the sport of running makes us want to keep doing what we’re doing.”
THANK YOU and God Bless You, Sir Walter Running, for choosing Raleigh Rescue Mission as your first Holiday Buffaloe 5000 fundraiser recipient.
