On Oct. 8, over a hundred members and friends of Advent United Methodist Church in Eagan gathered  to walk and run to raise money for Imagine No Malaria. Runners, joggers, walkers and "mosey-ers" all took to the trails of Eagan's Central Park, enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. The church’s contemporary worship service, Thrive, brought the praise band to play music during the event, and participants said the music carried and they could hear it throughout the entirety of the course. Church leaders participated, and Bishop Sally Dyck, who is a runner, joined participants to run the three miles.

The church raised at least $2500 by race day, and donations are still coming in.

Fundraiser and participant Willie Vogt raised $325 from friends and family, enough to buy more than 32 bed nets. For Vogt, the 5K was an easy way to combine his hobby of running with a good cause.

“I run all the time but haven’t run a 5K in years,” Vogt said. “I thought now would be as good a time as any, and for a super cause. We need to tackle the challenge of the disease and keep people safe.”

Advent UMC is energized by this success and hopes to make it an annual event.