Run, Walk, and Give Back at This Year’s A Worthy Clause 5K

Issue #624

December 09, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 54, low of 27

🏃‍♂️ Run, Walk, and Give Back at This Year’s A Worthy Clause 5K

📰 Columbia Fire & Rescue Launches “Community Connect”

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Run, Walk, and Give Back at This Year’s A Worthy Clause 5K

The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate community, movement, and giving back—and this year, you can do all three in one festive morning. The A Worthy Clause 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run is back, inviting families, runners, walkers, and Christmas-sweater enthusiasts of all kinds to join in a joyful tradition with a purpose.

This isn’t just a race. It’s a chance to help launch A Worthy Movement, a new mobile initiative that will bring nutrition education, movement, and mindfulness practices directly to the children and communities who need it most. Every step you take on race day helps fuel a mission focused on empowering the next generation in body, mind, and spirit.

Pull out your brightest holiday gear, gather your friends or family, and be part of something that moves—both literally and meaningfully. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.

RUN. WALK. GIVE BACK.

This isn’t just a run—it’s a movement. Proceeds from this holiday-themed event directly support the launch of A Worthy Movement

Whether you’re walking, running, or dancing across the finish line, you’re helping us become a resource a for the community.

Your best Christmas attire is encouraged as you lace up your shoes and help us drive change - literally! This year’s holiday themed 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run isn’t just about crossing a finish line; it’s about helping A Worthy Cause hit the road with a brand-new initiative: A Worthy Movement —a bus designed to bring nutrition education, movement and mindfulness directly to the communities and youth who need it most.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just in it for the fun, your steps support our mission to empower the next generation with holistic tools for well-being—body, mind and spirit.

Your registration makes a real impact— All proceeds go directly toward bringing our mobile mission to life and help reach, teach and inspire.

What to Expect:

  • A timed 5K and untimed 1-mile fun run/walk

  • A long sleeve race shirt (if you register before Nov 28th)

  • A completion medal 

  • Family-friendly atmosphere

  • Community connection, movement, music and mindfulness

  • Prizes, merch and meaningful moments

Packet Pick-Up: Friday, December 12th from 3pm - 6pm at Riverside Park Farmers Market Pavillion. If you are unable to pick up on Friday, you may come before the race Saturday morning between 8am and 8:45am, by the middle pavillion at the park. 

Race day there will be food trucks, health vendors and a dj bumping music after the race, so plan to hangout, enjoy the spirit and be with community!

Let’s make this dream mobile. Get signed up now!

WHAT IS A WORTHY MOVEMENT?

A renovated school bus designed to pop up at schools, parks, and local events. The AWC bus will be a rolling classroom, kitchen, and calm space — delivering hands-on learning and community connection wherever it goes.  

  • Outside: Kids engage in energizing games and movement-based activities

  • Inside: Mini kitchen for healthy snack-making, sensory/mindfulness zones, and creative tools for emotional well-being

WHY WE WANT TO CREATE THIS

We believe wellness should be accessible, exciting, and community-driven. The AWC bus helps us:

  • Reach children where they are and build healthy habits early

  • Create joyful, family-friendly experiences that spark curiosity and confidence

  • Foster a more connected and empowered community

This is more than a bus — it's a mobile mission to help kids live, love, and grow together.

Columbia Fire & Rescue Launches “Community Connect”

Columbia Fire & Rescue has introduced Community Connect, a new voluntary platform that allows residents to securely share helpful household information to support emergency response. The tool enables families to provide details such as pets, property access, and individuals with special needs — giving first responders critical insights before they arrive on scene.

The platform is protected by advanced security measures, and information is only accessible to authorized emergency personnel during an active response. Residents maintain full control over what they choose to share and may update their profile at any time.

With this launch, Columbia joins a growing network of communities using technology to strengthen local emergency preparedness and build stronger connections between first responders and the residents they serve.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, December 10th

Thursday, December 11th

Friday, December 12th

Saturday, December 13th

Sunday, December 14th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, December 11th

Todd Ciprian - Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Taylor Borton - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, December 12th

Open Mic Night - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–9 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellanos - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Justen Harden - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Escape - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 13th

One Christmas Evening - The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Kirwan! - McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Southbound Crows - Turnpike Tavern, 7:00 PM
Michael Rix - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Open Range Band - The Boondox, 8:00 PM
Benji & The Jets - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk