WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

Upon America’s Independence Day, we are reminded that it is more than a celebration. It is the freedom one finds in being American. It is America’s present, and future contention with specific malicious powers of the world that dare challenge the freedom which every being has the right to. To live in this country is an amazing privilege, we hope that we may never take that privilege for granite, that we’ll be willing to share that freedom with every person who seeks it. Being Macedonian-Americans have made us proud, moved, and joyful—we love the variety and diversity of America, we have much gratitude for the diversity of our great nation. With MK 5K, Macedonian-American Student Association seeks to celebrate diversity. We intend to reflect on the greatness of diversity, because that is what makes us proud to be American. So join us on September 8th, 2013 and celebrate Macedonian Independence Day with us in the cultural melting pot of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We invite you to bring your creativity, smile, and appreciation to bring this event to life. Come to experience something magical and different. Look the part. Showcase your culture! Whether it’s wearing a flag as your cape, wearing your traditional dancing shoes, face war paint, or even dressing up as your favorite super hero. Even if it looks like something from another planet. Diversity is not a black or white issue - look the part and represent YOU. Join your friends and family together by making a team. There will be contests and prizes for those who showcase what their culture truly means to them!

RACE MISSION

Join the race and celebrate diversity and individuality in the melting pot community of Ann Arbor. Run, walk, and dance through distant lands. We have the opportunity and ability to act as a bridge, to cross vast oceans and join separate cultures. The MK 5K is a unique race that celebrates diversity and individuality. Less about a timed race to 5K and more about uniting those around us, The MK 5K is running or walking race in which many participants will showcase their culture. The many people who can potentially gather at this event to walk and run for diversity will be united in a belief of a world where people are not judged by their heritage, the color of their skin, sexual orientation, physical attributes, or the god they worship. Run and walk to celebrate the joy of living and the excitement of meeting people and cherishing who you are. We hope you’ll join us in remembering to open our hearts to diversity and also give hope and help less fortunate children all over the world.

BENEFICIARIES

Macedonian-American Student Association strives to not only preserve our culture, but also to demonstrate the sentimentality of preserving culture to others. As children, we face a culture shock that diversified an American culture and one of our parents’ and families’. We believe that children are the future, and helping to spread the preservation of culture and helping those in need is our goal. Donations that Macedonian American Student Association will raise will fund a local charity Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers a safe haven for families of critically ill children. Built in 1945 and a 30 minute walk to the hospital, the house provides free, short-term lodging, meals, and smiles to families in need. This event will also provide the opportunity for all of us to raise funds for children in Orphanage 11. oktomvri in Skopje, Macedonia. Last year, with United Macedonians of Detroit’s donations and were able to purchase new beds and mattresses for the children of the orphanage. However, the Orphanage is in great need of other replacements that the children need to ensure a healthy living environment. We have partnered with United Macedonian Diaspora, an international non-governmental organization with headquarters in Washington, DC, which addresses the needs and interests of Macedonians and non-Macedonians throughout the world. Tax-receipts are directly from UMD. Donations will be used to purchase needs for sustainable and healthy living for both the families and children.

If you'd like to become a sponsor, please contact race director Ashley at anestoro@umich.edu for additional information as well as a sponsor form.

 Thank you for your contribution! We are looking forward to you being a part of our event!

*Note- first ten participants to register receive a FREE MK 5K TSHIRT. If you are one of those participants who receive the prize, please do NOT choose the t-shirt option, as you will receive your free tshirt at the race.