the 2024 Swazi 5K

Join people from all ages over central Oklahoma who come to run, walk or cycle to raise funds for needed ministries in Eswatini, Africa (formerly Swaziland) and in Bethany, Oklahoma! Bethany First Church of the Nazarene is an active local church serving its community as well as the world in an effort to bring hope and healing to the nations through Christ.

For 2024, we are providing three ways to be involved in the Swazi 5K.  

1. You can join an In Person event on Saturday, September 21 for the 1-mile fun run at 7:30am and the 5K at 8:00am.  The start and finish lines are on the campus of Southern Nazarene University and there will be a lot of free food and great door prizes! 

2. You can choose to join a Virtual Swazi 5K, that begins on Monday, September 9, at 12am and ends Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 11pm. 

3. You can also join something new with a Virtual Bike Ride to join in the fun of the Swazi 5K. You will have from Monday, September 9, at 12am until Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 11pm. 

4. You will be guaranteed a t-shirt in your size if you register by September 6th. We have two different types of t-shirts: a regular tee or an athletic tee (the athletic tee is an additional $7).

All of these events will benefit our selected ministries in Eswatini and in Bethany. 

WHY IS THIS RACE SO IMPORTANT?
The Swazi 5K remains an important fundraiser for our BFC Missions outreach locally and abroad. Through participating in the Swazi 5K, YOU are making a tangible impact in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Eswatini and the lives of children in our local community.

How to Register for the In-person Swazi 5K:

1. Register online for the 1-mile or the 5K

2. Indicate if you would like a cotton race t-shirt or an athletic material that costs an additional $7. You will be guaranteed a t-shirt in your size if you register by September 6th.

How to Register for the Virtual Swazi 5K:
Register online for the Virtual Swazi 5K.

1. Commit to walk or run a 5K, during the race timeframe. The virtual race window begins Monday, September 9, 2023 at 8am and ends Sunday, September 15, 2023 at 5pm.

2. Indicate if you would like a cotton race t-shirt or an athletic material that costs an additional $7. You will be guaranteed a t-shirt in your size if you register by September 6th.

3. You can do the Virtual Swazi 5K with your family, friends, Sunday School Class, small group, and in your own neighborhood, park, or gym!

4. Log back into your registration at swazi5k.enmotive.com/ to submit your completion time, and it will prompt you with further instructions, like how to download the finisher's certificate and view your results on the participant leaderboard.

5. After you complete your 5K, take pictures and post them on social media! Tag @bethanynaz and use the hashtag #virtualswazi5k or #swazi5k2024.

How to Register for the Swazi 5K Bike Ride:

1. Register online for the Swazi 5K Bike Ride

2. Once registered, you are ready to ride as many minutes as you can from September 9-15!

Need more information?
Contact Barbi Moore, bmoore@bethanynaz.org
Leanne Calfy, Volunteer Coordinator, leannecalfy@yahoo.com

How to Give
Your donated dollars will support these ministries in Eswatini and in Bethany, OK. For more information click here. Please send your completed sponsorhip form to gsimms@bethanynaz.org.

Benefits of the Swazi 5K

The Swazi 5K impacts people in Eswatini and in Bethany, OK. Learn more about the great benefits of the Swazi 5K.

1. It promotes awareness in our community of the needs of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Though HIV is declining, Eswatini is still the country with the highest rate of HIV and TB in the world.

2. It encourages personal health for participants.

3. It raises funds for three important recipients:

• Funding for the HIV/AIDS Task Force, who are providing food and medicines to those who are ill in their homes with HIV, TB, and noncommunicable diseases like asthma and diabetes. 

• Funding for Haven of Hope, a women’s rescue shelter in Eswatini who are providing a safe place for abused women.

• The Bethany After-School Program, provides a daily nutritious snack, tutoring, and a safe place to be for over 200 Bethany children every weekday afternoon during the school year.