Run4Kids 5K Race Report

06 Sep Run4Kids 5K Race Report

Jennica, smiling and accompanied by family and friends, crossed the finish line. Instantly the crowd cheered and applauded her efforts. You see, Jennica, a 16-yr-old girl living with kidney disease, was the selected 2019 Make-a-Wish child for the 7th annual Run4Kids event. (See Event Sponsors below.) She lives with kidney disease. Already having received one kidney transplant, Jennica is in store for 2 or 3 more in her lifetime. Her most cherished wish is to go to her favourite theme park in Orlando. And, the race on Sunday morning raised funds to help that happen.

Earlier that morning: After my usual prerace morning routines–shower, coffee, snack, easy 1.5k get-moving run, dynamic exercises, and foam roller for tight spots–I headed off to the race. The drizzle and cooler weather of Sunday morning did not dampen the spirits or enthusiasm of the folks in attendance. The race got underway promptly at 9 a.m. Didn’t take long for the fast, speedy types to zip through the town and arrive back at the Finish. After finishing, runners, walkers, Jennica, family and friends enjoyed coffee and treats, all donated by local merchants. Prizes for top runners. Draw prizes for lucky recipients. All too soon the event concluded.

How did I do? In the race I was pleased to earn 7th female. Normally I would have hoped to be 1st, 2nd, or 3rd but this morning the Age Category was 20+. More important, and much more rewarding, was the amazing result of my fund raising efforts on behalf of Make-a-Wish. I had set a goal of raising $1 000.00 which seemed like a stretch, yet possible. Imagine my astonishment when the final tally of my donors’ contributions came to $1, 790.00. All I did was ‘ask’, and people ‘gave, and gave, and gave’. Words do not adequately express my gratitude and appreciation to all those folks who when asked, so generously contributed to Make-a-Wish Southwestern ON.

Most of my race reports focus on how my body and mind recall feeling on the race course. This event was much different for me. In the summer weeks prior to the race I had continued running although not training hard for speed. Standing at the Start Line on Sunday morning I knew I would run well and run knowing that in this instance, the generosity of friends and family would make this a 5k Celebration–a celebration of the goodness of people. Thank you everyone, including Coach Rick for your ongoing support.

Linda and Glen Steinson, The Bayfield Optimist Club President

Run4Kids 5k is sponsored by:  Virtual High School ON  and  Bayfield Optimist Club