Sangamon Sun

HSHS St. John’s Foundation is encouraging residents to participate in the Little Miracles 5K, a charity event aimed at supporting premature and critically ill infants at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The event is scheduled for June 21 at Washington Park in Springfield.

Initiated in 2016, the annual run/walk was part of efforts to fund renovations and upgrades for the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The NICU serves over 700 infants each year within an 80-mile radius and remains the sole level III NICU in the area. Although the expanded unit was completed in 2021, the 5K continues to be held as a fundraiser.

“We are grateful for our local communities’ support of our tiniest patients by participating in the 10th annual Little Miracles 5K,” stated Brandy Grove, HSHS System Director, Foundation Strategy and Operations. “I love seeing families, groups of friends and kids having fun while running or walking through Springfield’s beautiful Washington Park.”

Adults aged 18 and older can register for either a 3K or a 5K race, with similar options available for youth aged between 9 and 17. All participants who complete their race will receive a medal, while awards will be given to the first, second, and third-place finishers among male and female participants in both race categories.

Early registration concludes on May 16; entry fees will increase thereafter.