The Race to Parenthood 5k

Take part in a 5k race on April 12th to help local couples raise money for fertility treatments or adoption.

February 27, 2014; 7:26 AM • by Valerie Catrow

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, infertility affects about 12 percent of the reproductive-age population in the United States. As if the emotional toll infertility takes on those who want children wasn’t enough, the financial demands that come with pursuing parenting are staggering. The average cost of one cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is $12,400, with most couples requiring multiple attempts to achieve a successful pregnancy. Meanwhile, adoption costs typically range from $30,000 to $60,000.

In an effort to help offset those costs for local couples, Jenn and Brad Nixon (who’ve also been struggling with infertility since 2007) organized The Race to Parenthood 5k.

“I’ve met so many people who desperately wanted to be parents, but couldn’t afford to pay out-of-pocket for IVF, IUI, surrogacy, or adoption,” Jenn stated in the event press release. “Coming up with an event that would not only bring awareness to this struggle, but would also provide an opportunity to friends and family to help their loved ones fund their path to parenthood was what inspired me to create The Race to Parenthood 5k.” The Nixons hope to make this an annual event, with new couples benefiting each year.

Six couples will join Brad and Jenn to raise money during the event. Each “featured couple” will have a team to run or walk with them (and cheer for them!) during the race. One hundred percent of each registration fee will go directly towards fertility treatments or adoption costs for the couple the participant wants to support.

This 5k race (that’s 3.1 miles) will take place on Saturday, April 12th at 9:00 AM at the West Creek Business Park. Virginia Farm Bureau (12580 West Creek Parkway) will serve as the location for the race’s start, finish, and after-party.

Registration for runners 18 and up is $35 through February 28th; the cost will go up to $40 for the month of March and then to $45 April 1st through 9th. Walk-up registration will be available for $50 cash at packet pick-up on April 11th and the morning of the race.

Kids ages 12 through 17 can register for $10 through the end of March; it goes up to $15 April 1st through 9th. Their walk-up fee is $20.

If you’re unable to take part in the actual race, you have the option of joining the Virtual Race for $25. You can also show your support by making a donation either to the featured couple of your choosing or to the group as a whole–donations made to the group will be split evenly among the seven couples.

For more information on The Race to Parenthood 5k–including bios on the couples, ways to volunteer, and (of course) to register–visit theracetoparenthood5k.com.