By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Race information: Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run – Saturday, Aug. 24, 5 K at 8 a.m. and one-mile run/walk at 9 a.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Atkinson.
Registration: Online at www.jordanrahnforeveryoungrun.org
Katie VanAntwerp is race director, and can be contacted at ktvanantwerp@gmail.com.
Lola and Ryan Rahn, Atkinson, stand by the kayak to be awarded to a participant in the 2024 Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run on Saturday, Aug. 24. The 10th annual event is in memory of their son who died in 2013.
The Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run continues to be a celebration of life in memory of Jordan Rahn, son of Ryan and Lola Rahn of Atkinson, and a means to help children in foster care.
The annual event is a result of the tragedy that claimed the young life of Jordan Rahn, who died unexpectedly in October of 2013, at the age of 19 while playing football with friends.
Proceeds from the upcoming 10th annual Run, in memory of the Rahn’s son, will be used to benefit children in foster care, including Foster Hope, which was founded by the Rahn couple in April of 2017. The race was not held in 2020 which makes 2024 the 10th year for the JRFYR.
Katie VanAntwerp, race director, said, “Because we did not have a race in 2020, this makes this year’s race our 10th event and we are hoping that this will be the biggest celebration yet.”
Registration is underway for this year’s Jordan Rahn Forever Young Run which is Saturday, Aug. 24, and Tuesday, Aug. 13, is the last day to register at the lower rate, and the last day to receive a T-shirt with registration. The 5K Race will begin at 8 a.m. and the one mile race kicks off at 9 a.m., both from Veterans Memorial Park in Atkinson.
Prizes include:
-5K Overall Male/Female winners will receive $100 cash.
-One Mile Overall Atkinson Resident Male/Female winners will receive $50 Village of Atkinson gift certificates.
Again this year, a race participant who is 18 years of age or older, will be given the choice of a kayak or $300 cash. There also will be bikes awarded to one boy and one girl who participate in the Run and are 12 years old or younger. A Fit Bit will be awarded to a participant who is 13 to 17 years old. The prizes will be awarded in random drawings and winners must be present to win the prizes.
Activities are planned in Veterans Park after the race. There will be a Post Race Party and Beer Tent in Veterans Park
-Margaritas will be available to purchase for adults 21 years of age and older.
-Live music by Shaun Easton from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
-Live music by John Heasly from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
-Free kids’ games from 10 a.m. to noon.
-Gaga Ball
-Emily’s Face Painting from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
-Kid’s Inflatables from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
-FOAM Party for kids from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
-Emily’s Face Painting from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m.
-Sol’s Legacy Ministries minis from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
-Miller’s Petting Zoo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-Tiny Tail Exotics form 10 a.m. to noon.
-QCCAN Therapy Dogs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-Tropical Sno Cambridge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-Atkinson Booster Club Cookout opens at 10 a.m.
-Fuego Taco from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until sold out.
-Sourdough BAE Booth.
All proceeds benefit children in foster care through Foster Hope.
As a result of that first race, Lola Rahn was able to connect with several foster care parents and she and her husband started a foster parent support group, Foster Hope that meets in Foster Hope offices located in the former Atkinson Grade School, 107 South State St. The couple also hosts several appreciation events for foster families.
Foster Hope is a 501-c3 non-profit organization and Rahn said, “Our mission is to educate, inspire and support the foster care community. Educate by providing a place for foster parent trainings, including CPR classes; Inspire by providing a place for our support group meetings; support by being able to meet the immediate needs of a foster family after they receive a child in their home such as providing them with diapers, clothes, cribs and other necessary items.”
More information about Foster Hope is available on Face book page at Foster Hope-Quad Cities Area.