Gearing Up for the 14th Annual 5K
Fourteen years ago, around 500 runners stood on the starting line of the first-ever Forrest Spence 5K. Each person ran to honor the life of the late Forrest Spence while holding the dream of supporting other critically and chronically ill children. Nine months pregnant with her second child, Brittany stood on a stool in the middle of the chaos to ensure everything went according to plan. When Brittany looked down, her OB was standing right below the stool. Knowing that Brittany has never been one to slow down, he came out not only to support the Fund but to be there in case labor came on unexpectedly. As the bell went off and the race started, labor did not strike just yet but an unbelievable tradition was indeed born.
Fourteen years later, we are preparing for another race and expecting about 1,500 people to run in honor of Forrest Spence. We are humbled at the growth our 5K has seen over the years. Not only has it allowed the Fund to serve more families than ever expected, but it has also become a connector for people throughout the community. Just the other day, our Development Director, Elizabeth, was walking her dog when she saw a man walking in a 2016 Forrest Spence 5K shirt. She stopped to talk to him after noting the shirt and within minutes a new friendship was born from a single commonality: love of the Forrest Spence 5K.
We go into this new year with a child-like excitement for the return to in-person events. There is something so joyful about seeing the faces of families coming together and running with purpose. Each year, Brittany is “blown and humbled at seeing 1,500 people wear a shirt with her son’s name.” After one virtual race, the excitement to once again run together is palpable. The power of a crowd gathered together in support of chronically and critically ill children is almost immeasurable.
Financially, the Forrest Spence 5K brings in a fifth of our annual budget, a budget that has allowed us to serve over 75,000 families. By paying the $25 registration fee and signing up for the race, you are already providing the full amount to sponsor a gas card for a family in need. If you fundraise even $75, you are helping us to feed ten families in need. Who knew running five kilometers could impact so many lives?
So, there is only one thing left to ask: Will we see you there?
Register for the Forrest Spence 5K here.