“Miles for the Mission” 5k held to raise funds for the Union Gospel Mission

DULUTH, Minn. — A 5k for a good cause kicked off at Leif Ericksen Park this weekend. Participants gathered for a race, known as “Miles for the Mission.”

The race is sponsored by Union Gospel Mission, who says that this event has two core goals.

“So we’re out here for two reasons. One, we love to raise money and funds for our everyday mission at Union Gospel Mission,” said Katie Hagglund, executive director of Union Gospel Mission. “Two, we want to bring awareness to the experience that a lot of our guests have, when they leave our doors at night after dinner service and head over to the warming center. So we’re following a very similar path to those guests, and just here to bring awareness and have fun.”

The hope is that this event can take people out of their comfort zones to help them better understand the importance of the mission, all while supporting the fight to keep people off of the streets.

“It’s important to highlight the experiences that our neighbors in need have. I’m really hopeful that this is an opportunity for folks that maybe don’t come out on a very cold, February Saturday. To come out, show support, show their love and encouragement for our guests, and take home that memory with them, and maybe see viewpoints a little differently.”

The Union Gospel Mission has been working to uplift those in need in the northland since 1922. If you’d like to read more about them and their services, you can visit their website.