We cordially invite you to participate in our 17th Annual STRIDES Memorial 5K Run/1 Mile Walk 2024. This event is dedicated to families who have experienced the tragic loss of an infant to SIDS or SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death). All funds raised will directly support Infant Loss Resources. This year's theme, “Steps of Remembrance, Miles of Hope”. This theme encapsulates the purpose of the event, which is to remember the infants tragically lost to SIDS or SUID, while also emphasizing the hope that each step and mile brings in supporting Infant Loss Resources. It signifies the journey of healing and the collective effort to make a difference. Remember, every step taken is a stride towards hope.

The event, which includes both a 5K run and a 1-mile walk, will take place at Frontier Park-Katy Trails in St. Charles County. We’re excited to offer both in-person and virtual participation options. Strides “Steps of Remembrance, Miles of Hope” 2024 is more than just a race; it’s a family-friendly event that combines a competitive 5K with a relaxed 1-mile walk and a Kids Zone. Join us in honoring and celebrating the lives of the babies we’ve lost too soon.

We extend our invitation to families from the St. Louis Metropolitan and Metro East areas for a day filled with family fun. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy a wonderful day while supporting a vital cause. Our goal is to raise awareness and we need your help to do so. Mark your calendars for August 10, 2024, and join us at Frontier Park-Katy Trails, St. Charles, MO for a day of family, fun, and friendly competition. We look forward to seeing you there!

Joining us again this year as EMCEE is KMOV's (Channel 4) Sport reporter/News Anchor Bryan Kennedy! Bryan will be joining us along with his family! This race motivates us to stay active, compete against family and friends, and support an organization dedicated to providing FREE family resources and building awareness around infant health. 100% of the race proceeds will go to supporting Infant Loss Resources educational SAFE SLEEP and grief support programs. 

Here's how it works:

1. Pick a race distance and/or virtual challenge.
2. We will mark the beginning of the event with a live Facebook Race Day Kick off.
3. Run your race and/or participate in the virtual challenge and submit your results either by text message or email (if you've opted in) or by heading to the results page here by the deadline of August 3, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Central Time). Results update in real time as people submit their times. Be sure to take a selfie and post on social media with the #stridesforhope2023.
4. Tune into our Facebook for Event updates during August 12, 2023, and see how other people participated and learn more about Infant Loss Resources.

Here's what you get for signing up:

• A Strides for HOPE t-shirt commemorating the 16th annual memorial event (t-shirt deadline is July 29, 2024).
• Connection with other families remembering lost loved ones.
• Motivation to stay active.
• The good feeling that comes with supporting our community.

Best Ways to Participate:

• Become a Fundraiser - The annual Strides event provides critical funding for Infant Loss Resources' programs supporting grief support, spreading awareness and education for safe infant sleep practices. Please consider setting up a fundraiser page to help support our mission here. This fundraising page can be connected to Facebook fundraising to help share and raise awareness with friends and family.
• Start/Join a Team - Invite family and friends to participate in the events this year, share results to encourage each other. 
• Track your distance and time yourself by following a local St. Louis area route provided by Big River Running here
• Refer family and friends using your referral code (included in your confirmation email), receive $10 toward your registration fee for every 5 people referred through your code (maximum of $20)
• Sibling Activity Challenge - Set up a fundraiser and encourage family and friends to commit to match every minute of activity with a donation.