Motorcycles, leather vests and nuns can only mean one thing – the annual Run with the Nuns event hosted by CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier is gearing up for another ride.

The two-day motorcycle rally will be held Oct. 16-17 in the Red River District in downtown Shreveport and as always, will benefit children’s health and wellness programs in the community including Cara Center, NICU and school-based health centers. This will be the ninth year for the Run with the Nuns event, continuing the tradition of a family friendly atmosphere filled with activities, food, family and fun. Whether a first-time patron or a devoted attendee, this year’s event will have something to offer for all to come.

“[This year will offer] a wonderful family event with something for everyone,” Amy Heron, executive director of the CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier, said. “[There will be] a motorcycle ride, 5K and 10K runs, 25- and 45-mile bicycle tours, and silent and live auctions. All participants will be blessed before their event starts. Runner and cyclist festivities start early at 7:30 a.m., and the biker events start at 9 a.m. All participants are invited to join us for breakfast and lunch in the Red River District. The $35 entry fee includes both meals and the always popular RWTN T-shirt, [which] this year will be a performance shirt. The Red River District will be hopping with vendors, participants, volunteers and lots of fun; come out and join us to help local kids! “There’s always a lead nun rider, and this year it’s Sr. Laurine Murtagh, SFCC,” Heron said. “She was born in Ireland and spent 30-plus years teaching every level from kindergarten to college and currently teaches junior high religious education. Sister Laurine also fosters elderly pets from a Texas animal shelter. At 9 a.m., Sister will be presented with her own leather biker vest, and then she will lead the bikers out for their ride through Caddo Parish.”

Always part of the event is the silent auction, which is currently active and available for bids online. Heron said in the mix are amazing creations of local artisan, Laurie Jarecki. Her creations are one-ofa-kind, hand-painted furniture and crafts that are not to be missed. Also included in the auction are religious artifacts and other amazing finds. Go to www.32auctions.com/ rwtn2015.

New to this year’s event will be additional physical activities. Heron said they are adding running and bicycle options including a 5K, 10K and bicycle tours.

The goal for this year is as always to raise funds and awareness for programs that impact the health and wellness of the babies, children and teens of the community, Heron said, and all funds stay in Shreveport- Bossier City to serve children and families.

Heron said Run with the Nuns has been success in past years, growing in size and popularity with each passing year and providing funds for some of the most meaningful programs in the community.

“We are so grateful to the community for their support of our children’s programs,” Heron said. “It’s all about children and their well-being and safety. We have grown from an event of 300 participants and an ice chest of sausage biscuits to a full-blown festival in downtown Shreveport with IHOP breakfast on site. Our best successes, though, are the dollars that we are able to provide local agencies so that they can continue their critical services in keeping children healthy and safe. We purchase medical equipment, health services and programs that keep children healthy and safe.”

Hernon said proceeds have funded: a new hearing screening equipment for newborn babies ($22,000); Project 5210 childhood obesity program ($10,000); asthma teaching doll for Caddo Parish Schools ($1,700); Back-to-School Healthy Checkup Event provides annual health fair and school supplies to 1,500 children ($15,000).

–Katie Ho

Want to go?

To register for Run with the Nuns IX or for more information on the event or auctions, call 681-6100 or go to www.runwiththenuns.com.