Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Wild West 5K Challenge at Bonnie Springs to benefit kids with diabetes

Bonnie Springs

courtesy

A view from the Wild West Cross Country 5K Challenge at Bonnie Springs in 2013.

To raise funds for a children’s summer camp, the Nevada Diabetes Association wants participants to grab their best western wear and head out on Saturday to the fifth-annual Wild West Cross Country 5K Challenge.

Participants of the family-friendly event, which runs through Bonnie Springs Ranch in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, have the option to race in the 5K, a 1-mile “fun run” and a quarter-mile dash geared for children under 5.

Registration remains open and those interested can visit crosscountry5k.com for more details.

Proceeds from the event will go to the organization’s Camp Vegas, said Tasha Thatcher, a representative from the Nevada Diabetes Association.

The camp — which is held during Clark County School District's spring break next week at Potosi Pines — is an opportunity for children ages 7 and older to interact with other youth with Type 1 diabetes, Thatcher said. They not only get educated about the disease but also have the chance to participate in camp-related activities.

“These children have established solid friendships through camp while they’re learning how to care for their disease, as well as have fun,” Thatcher said. And this wouldn’t be possible without fundraising events like Saturday’s race, she added.

Last year, about 250 participants showed up, Thatcher said.

In this year's event, there will be music, games, a winner's ceremony and other festivities. The attractions at Bonnie Springs, which include a petting zoo and other attractions, also will be open to participants, Thatcher said.