Ava, Mo. (August 5, 2023) – Dozens of runners participated in the ninth annual MOCH Health Drive 3.1 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, August 5th. Runners raced through downtown Ava, along a certified 5K route. Awards went to the overall male and female finishers, overall male and female masters, and top two finishers in each division. Among this year’s winners were:
- Female Open Winner: Hadassah Fitzgerald (21:55)
- Male Open Winner: Andrew Fitzgerald (17:44)
- Male Masters Winner: Michael Schiff (23:30)
- Female Masters Winner: Sharla Mathes (23:14)
The MOCH Health Drive 3.1 5K Walk/Run promotes health and fitness in the community of Ava and helps make the community aware of the MOCH Wellness Center. “A lot of people keep coming back,” said Rita Plumb, fitness coordinator at the MOCH Wellness Center. “They love the 5K. They’re dedicated to the Wellness Center. They’re like family to us. They show up every year with a smile on their face, ready to run.”
The MOCH Wellness Center opened to the community of Ava in 2010. It offers a complete workout area, walking track and gym. The facility is designed to promote healthy lifestyles for all community members, with trainers on site and classes available for a range of fitness levels.
As part of its commitment to community wellness, Missouri Ozarks Community Health also offers a fitness club. The MOCH Do Run Club holds regular running sessions in the lead up to the MOCH Health Drive 3.1 5K Walk/Run. But for those who do not have an interest in running, the club offers many other outdoor activities as well. “They’re not only running for fun, but trying to run and help out the local area,” said runner Michael Schiff. “I love the fact that we’re able to do both.”
Missouri Ozarks Community Health was established in 1996 as a federally qualified health center. It operates six clinics in Ava, Gainesville, Mansfield, Mountain Grove, Cabool and Houston. Missouri Ozarks offers primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health care, prenatal care and pediatric care.
For more information about Missouri Ozarks Community Health or the MOCH Health Drive 3.1 5K Walk/Run, please contact Lacy Monteleone at [email protected] or call (417) 683-5739.
