This Year’s Harley’s Hustle
The 6th annual Harley’s Hustle 5K run/walk is coming up on October 5, 2024 at 9am. Each year the 5K starts and finishes in Twining Park in front of the Paul F. Klinzing shelter located near the splash pad. The 5K route is accessible for runners and walkers of all levels. It extends north through the neighborhood west of the YMCA, circles the YMCA, and returns back to picturesque Twining Park. A mid-route water station is available for all participants. Registration includes a long-sleeved running shirt and is $30 for adults and $10 for kids under 10. Post-run/walk refreshments are provided as well. All proceeds from the race go directly to bring support and awareness to pregnancy and infant loss. Register at Harleyshustle.org.
The event also features live music, and this year Just Jake, a local musician from Darlington, will be performing at the event. Participants also have the chance to bid on silent auction items that range from specialty baskets, to gift certificates for local restaurants, and services provided by area businesses.
History of Harley’s Hustle
Harley’s Hustle was started after co-founders Mathew and Susan Anderson experienced a full term, 40-week stillbirth of their daughter, Harley McKenna in 2018. The network of support offered by friends, family, co-workers, and the community inspired them to start the 5K to provide support and awareness to others who experience pregnancy and infant loss. They started a partnership with Monroe Clinic Hospital, now SSM Health, to host the race on the first Saturday in October annually, the same week that the Hospital offers a cemetery service for families who have experienced a loss in the past year.
Over the years, the 5K has been supported and promoted by individuals, community organizations, local businesses, and nonprofits.
Ways To Help
There are many ways that you or your organization can support Harley’s Hustle. First, consider a tax-deductible sponsorship. At Harleyshustle.org, different sponsorship levels ranging between $50-$250 are provided which include promoting your organization or business on the race shirts, in race bags, or on social media. Tax-deductible donations of any amount can also be made on the website. Another option is to donate a silent auction item, or sign up to volunteer on race day. Finally, help by spreading the word to others who may benefit from attending Harley’s Hustle by encouraging them to explore the website, like the Facebook page, or sign up to participate in this year’s event.
— Susan Anderson is co-founder of Harley’s Hustle with her husband Mathew. She is also the Technology & Learning Coach at Monroe High School.
