Benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of NM Featuring the New PizzaPals Family Fun Area
Albuquerque, N.M. – January 30, 2024 – WiseChoice Foods LLC, the manufacturer of the frozen pizza & snack brand WisePies Pizza and a certified minority owned, female led company based in Albuquerque, N.M., announced today the 4th Annual WisePies Pizza Run brought to you by Albertsons Market benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico. This year’s events include a 1-mile fun run/walk, 5k run, and 10k run to be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, starting at 7am, in Albuquerque, NM at the Aperture Center Park in Mesa del Sol. Registration is now open for all ages and skill levels with an early bird price of $49 until March 31, 2024.
“WisePies Pizza continues to be an amazing partner to Make-A-Wish New Mexico. Over the past four years they have helped grant numerous wishes and bring hope and joy to children battling critical illnesses in our state,” said Sara Lister, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish New Mexico. “This annual run is a great way for people of all ages to become wish makers, because participating in this family-friendly event makes it possible for wishes to happen.”
“In the fourth year of the Pizza Run, we’re still having fun, raising money to grant wishes for the kids of New Mexico, and growing an outdoor community event encouraging healthy lifestyle choices,” stated Season Chavez, president of WiseChoice Foods. “Community leaders and businesses alike have stepped up participation. In fact, Albertsons Market for the third year in a row is the title sponsor for the event! If you haven’t experienced the WisePies Pizza run yet, this is the year for your family and friends to come out, enjoy a beautiful day and celebrate our incredible community.”
New this year, participants and families will get to experience the PizzaPals Family Area that includes giant Jenga, an inflatable jump house and a cotton candy machine. We will have a live DJ, KRQE helicopter display, Bernalillo County Fire vehicles, Albuquerque Fire & Rescue vehicles, as well as starting line warm-ups with Sol Fitness.
The WisePies Pizza Run is expanding locally with participation expected to reach 300 runners with an increase in virtual participation in other markets encouraged across the nation. This annual event will continue to feature a 1-mile fun run/walk designed for families and light activity, as well as timed 5K and 10k runs designed to challenge experienced runners. Attendees and participants can expect to enjoy music, prizes, celebrity runners, family-friendly activities and fresh, hot pizza for all participants and volunteers.
This year’s theme, Running with Lizards, recognizes our amphibious friends that surround our outdoor activities and race by us with their bright racing stripes and colors. It is further reflected within the event graphics showcasing our favorite mascot, Speedy the running pizza, now sporting a headband and is surrounded with small lizard prints. The fundraising goal has been increased to $80,000 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico.
It’s easy to get involved in the 2024 WisePies Pizza Run including participation, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Visit www.wisepiespizza.com/pizzarun to make a difference. Participation in the run is $49 until March 31, 2024 and then increases to $59 with day-of registration available at $65. This gets you a spot on the starting line for your chosen event, an exclusive themed t-shirt or tank top, a fresh & hot WisePies Pizza of your choice, refreshments following the event, free family activities and a beautiful day to remember making a difference in your health and in the lives of children experiencing critical illness who are in need of hope. You may also visit the website for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico directly at www.wish.org/nm to make a direct donation.