Inaugural Runnin' and Wranglin' 5K Fundraiser Recap

SICIM held their first ever 5K run/walk fundraiser last fall, aptly named the Runnin’ and Wranglin’ 5K! The race was held on November 4th at Mill Race Park in Columbus, Indiana, and SICIM staff worked with CISMAs in the area (Bartholomew County Blazing Stars CISMA, Brown County Native Woodlands, Johnson County Native Plant Partnership, and Jackson County Invasive Partnership) to plan and put on the event. It truly was an event to remember! The weather delivered a beautiful November morning, and over 100 participants joined the fun. This race was an effort to raise awareness locally and throughout the state on the impact of invasive species, as well as being SICIM’s first ever fundraiser to support the Indiana Invasives Initiative. The race was timed for those serious runners, and for those who weren’t in such a rush there were information tables, activities, and prizes given away. Some prizes included reusable water bottles, native shrubs, a Weed Wrangle kit that included loppers and gloves, stickers, and more.

Awards were given to those participants that excelled in their age category, as well as those who traveled the farthest, who raised the most money, and who wore the best costume. The costumes were outstanding! We had butterflies, kilts, wood nymphs, caterpillars, movie characters, and even invasive species costumes! Volunteers from Cummins led a Weed Wrangle during the race that anyone could join, and food trucks fed all the hungry participants and their families and guests. Everyone received a medal and a long sleeved t-shirt for their participation, along with learning a little more about invasives along the way!

This event truly was a team effort. We are very grateful for our partners who helped to put on the event, Mill Race Park for the location, all of our sponsors who made it possible, and of course everyone who donated to make this a successful fundraising event! We plan to have future 5K fundraisers, so if you are interested keep an eye on the event page on our website, or our Facebook and Instagram pages. Runnin’ and Wranglin’ may be coming to a park near you! We look forward to seeing you at the race in 2024, and don’t forget to wear your costume.

thanks to our generous sponsors and partners!