RUN LIKE A GIRL, BE A champion

The Story

AND MISSION of the GO FAR WOMAN RUN

As women, what would we be without the other amazing women in our lives? We shop with them, talk with them, laugh with them, and live life with them. So it seems only natural … why wouldn’t we run with them? That’s Sue Bertsch’s philosophy, founder of Run Around Events. It’s also part of the reason she started the Go Far Woman Run six years ago. The other reason is due to an amazing woman in her life—“for my sister Renee,” Bertsch proudly shares— but sadly, an amazing woman that was taken far too soon.

“My sister had been ill for three years, when one day she just died unexpectedly at the age of 38,” Bertsch remembers. “But her funeral was packed by all the people who loved her, including some patients who she had just delivered their baby the week before!” Renee Schwandt was an OB-GYN physician at Essentia Health that was well known by her patients and friends as a very happy, engaging and fun lady to be around. Bertsch says the run is a way to celebrate Schwandt’s spice for life.

Schwandt had been an athlete when she was younger and the race continues her legacy of promoting fitness, wellness and health to all ages. And Bertsch means all ages. Beyond a half marathon, relay, 10k, and 5k, Bertsch added the Go Far Diaper Dash and the Toddler Trot. “It’s amazing because we had 150 little toddlers, some had only learned to walk the week before!” Bertsch laughs. Why start so young? Bertsch explains, “It’s really about promoting health and wellness since day one”.

From year one to year 11—which is when Bertsch describes young girls' images of themselves changes—the races are meant to encourage healthy self-esteems, "We wanted to promote that running like a girl should be a good thing.” This race also gives mothers and daughters a chance to bond. “Family means everything to me,” Bertsch shares. It is evident with her daughter Courtney Blinn’s involvement in the race, “I am very blessed to be able to work with her. She’s smart, hard working, an athlete, and the happiest person I know. She just exudes positivity and lights up the room.”

Bertsch has seen a multitude of success stories come from women who have participated in the race. For example, “We had one gal that did a half marathon and she was the last one to come in. She had recently been divorced and her ex had told her she would never be able to finish a half marathon. So she set her mind to doing and she did. When she crossed the finish line there were just tears and joy and that’s why you do this.”

New this year is the Big 98.7 Champion 5k. It was so named thanks to a race in Florida. Bertsch shares, “I was running and this Katy Perry song came on. As I was running it kept going through my mind that regardless of problems I have gone through, ‘I am a champion.’” Bertsch hopes to foster this belief in all women—“I am a champion.” The race will be held on a Friday evening this year, and if anyone participates in races on Friday and Saturday, you get the 2 Challenge medal. According to Bertsch, this can be any run. "Any race. Everyone can hold the two fingers up showing that they are running two.”

So get ready, the Go Far Woman Run is coming up August 10 and 11. You can find more information and register at gofarwoman.com. And don’t forget to participate in the expo on the August 10, from 12:00-8:00 p.m. Bertsch explains, “There will be 25 vendors, a silent auction at the same time, and 100 percent of proceeds from that auction goes to the Essentia NICU in honor of my sister Renee.”

A time to run, a time to bond, and a time to celebrate all the incredible women and girls in your life. [ aw ]