Ballardite organizing 5k fundraiser for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

A local Ballard woman is organizing a “Virtual 5k” to raise money for Team Challenge: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Krisite Macris is hosting the event, which is planned for Friday, Sept. 13, but participants can run the 5K anytime during the week of Sept. 13 – 20, the registration money from which will go to the foundation.

Macris says the virtual 5k means people can complete it at their leisure and own pace. “This is a great way to get in shape and earn some bling,” she writes. “Each person who registers will receive a personalized bib to print, a 2.5″ silver die-cast medal and an entry into the registration drawing.” The drawing is on Sept. 13, and prizes will be a wide array of gifts, including a $25 LuLuLemon gift card, $50 SparkleSkirt gift card, Redbox movie codes, and a $50 Disney gift card.  She said there will also be a post-run meet-up somewhere in Ballard (depending on the number of runners) so everyone can chat and enjoy drinks.

Macris has raised almost $20,000 for the foundation over the last two years, and is aiming to raise another $10,000 this year. She moved to Seattle in 2008, and one year later, her mother was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which she describes as a painful disease that requires weekly transfusions and regular medications. “I run (and fundraise) so my mother will someday be free of those chains,” Macris writes.