Mothers and Babies "Win Big" at Born to Run

Participants ran, walked leisurely, and the youngest rode in strollers in the most successful Born to Run celebration in its 25-year history. The event, which featured a 1/2-mile and 5K run, took place in downtown Baton Rouge on Nov. 8.  

Woman's New Life Clinic (WNLC) and the Parable Foundation sponsored the event, which raises funds for and awareness of the services WNLC provides. The clinic offers counseling and medical services for women facing unplanned pregnancies in the Greater Baton Rouge and New Orleans areas.

"This year's 5K and 1/2 Mile Fun Run had 1,214 registrants and we raised over $167,000," said Allison Daigle, WNLC chief executive officer.

Gwenette Aubert and Marian Munro, of Most Blessed Sacrament Church (MBS) in Baton Rouge, said their pro-life beliefs were fortified by others who are passionate about protecting unborn lives.

"I only did the 1/2 mile (walk) but it was a great, graceful course," said Aubert. "I walked with friends and had lots of fun."

"I think it's a great community effort for everyone to be out here ... I feel everyone was invigorated," Munro said.

Tim Mueller, of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, has participated in Born to Run for the past 12 years.
Top right photo: Runners and walkers spring from the starting line at Born to Run. 
Above photo: Samuel Fruge stands at attention with the American flag during the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
"I keep coming back because it's a very joyous family event that celebrates the dignity of life," said Mueller, who ran in the half-mile race. "It's just a great spirit. It's a great family event. I like to run and be a part of this event that supports women and supports Woman's New Life Clinic."

Tyler Bruno, another MBS team member who ran the half-mile course, said the race is a good reminder to serve others with mind, body, and soul.

"It's a good opportunity to offer it up in a bodily sacrifice for unborn babies and their mothers," Bruno said.

Likewise, Colten Poché, a member of the Christ the King Church in Baton Rouge team, ran the 5K race as a total prayer effort.

"It was tougher than I thought it would be," said Poché. "There's a lot of hills, ups and downs. It's like life, but you find a way to get through it with prayer."  

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022, it's important to assist women who find themselves with unplanned pregnancies, said Lara Bettencourt and her daughter, Kirstynn Bettencourt. They are both parishioners of St. George Church in Baton Rouge who walked in the half-mile race.

"I am very impressed with how many people came out this year," said Lara Bettencourt ... "I'm not a runner, but it's fun and lighthearted. Everybody goes at their own pace, so I don't feel like even if you're a not a runner, you can’t participate."

"I feel that a lot of times there are people who are against people who are pro-life," said Kirstynn Bettencourt. "We have to give women the support they need."

When the last people crossed the finish line, participants celebrated with an after-race "birth day" party.

Daigle said everyone was a winner in the races, with the top finishers being women with unplanned pregnaParticipants dance during the after-race "birth day" party.ncies.

"It was a beautiful celebration of life and a great opportunity to share our services and successes with the community," said Daigle. "We are deeply humbled and grateful for all of our Born to Run sponsors, underwriters, donors, and participants who share in Woman's New Life Clinic's mission to promote the sanctity of life, the dignity of women, and the sacredness of sexuality through our medical and mental health services."

To learn more about WNLC and to donate, visit womansnewlife.com.