go far woman race evolves into family event

Fundraiser Benefits Tiny Babies

Fargo’s first all-woman race has evolved into a family event that helps support Essentia Health–Fargo’s tiniest patients and their families.

Sue Bertsch launched the Go Far Woman race in 2013 to honor her late sister, Dr. Renee Schwandt. The Fargo obstetrician and gynecologist had died unexpectedly in 2003, at age 38. “She touched many people and exuded a feeling of joy, compassion and strength throughout her life,” Bertsch says. “This race is in honor of her and continues to give back in her name.”

The first event was held in a parking lot and drew almost 1,800 participants to its 5K, 10K and half-marathon. “It was an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm,” Bertsch recalls.

“I think women were very excited to have an event that they could call their own, and one that supported the memory of my sister.”

The annual event has evolved by adding races for all ages. “We wanted to make the event something that the entire family could participate in,” Bertsch says. After the all-women races came the Go Far Girl Run, which promotes health and positive self-image in girls. Next came Go Far Baby, which has a Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot. Last year, the Champion 5K was added and opened to men as well.

2019 Go Far Woman schedule

AUGUST 9 scheels arena

Noon to 8:00 PM Expo, silent auction and packet pickup urban plains park

5:30 PM Diaper Dash

6:00 PM Toddler Trot

6:30 PM Go Far Girl Youth Run (ages 12 and under)

7:30 PM Big 98.7 Champion 5K (men and women)

AUGUST 10 scheels arena

6:30 AM Half-marathon and relay lineup

6:45 AM Anthems and announcements

7:00 AM Half-marathon and relay start

7:20 AM 10K start

7:25 AM 5K start for more information or to register for races, go to gofarwoman.com.

More than 2,000 participants are expected for this year’s races on August 9 and 10 at Scheels Arena, Bertsch says. Early registrations are up, with runners from 14 states and Canada.

The Essentia Health Go Far Woman benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Essentia Health–Fargo and donations have helped buy equipment, such as incubators. Now Bertsch has decided to sponsor one of 14 rooms being built in a new unit. The private room for newborns and their families will bear her sister’s name. “My sister delivered many babies that needed the assistance of the Essentia Health NICU to help begin their lives,” Bertsch says. “She would have loved to have been able to continue to help these littlest of patients.”

“This race has done so much for our NICU and we are grateful for Sue’s gifts,” says Susan Omdalen, director of development at the Essentia Health Fargo Foundation. “I am so impressed by her commitment to her sister’s legacy and how she has built the race and through it raised awareness about our NICU.”

A committee of volunteers run and staff the race. Essentia Health volunteers help at a race expo and packet pickup. Fargo firefighters hand out medals and water to race finishers while the West Fargo baseball team does the same for the girls’ run.

Bertsch’s family plays important roles in the event. Her daughter, Courtney, serves as assistant race director and graphic designer, while husband, Steve, is an integral part of the race. “My mom frequents the race and has been at the starting line with me several times,” Bertsch says. “In its inaugural year, Renee’s daughter, Jessica, spoke about her mom and what this meant to her.”

Bertsch, who works as office manager in the Career Development Center at Minnesota State University Moorhead, says she is touched by the stories that people share about the care her sister gave to them and their families. “Renee’s legacy lives on through the success of those that participate in this event,” she says. “I am so grateful for the community support and the stories shared with me by people who knew Renee and loved her.”