Annual 5K in Emden brings awareness and support to ALS

 

[August 20, 2018] 

On an overcast Saturday morning, around 290 runners and walkers gathered in Emden for the Seventh Annual ALS Awareness 5K Run/Walk

Through great support and a wonderful turnout for this event over the past six years, the fundraising total as of 2017 was over $125,000.

According the event site, “the event is funded almost entirely through the generous donations of over 150 individuals and businesses in the community, leaving the majority of the entry fee to help advance the research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of ALS.”

The event also brings more awareness of this devastating disease that causes paralysis as it progresses. The funds raised go to ALS Worldwide and the Les Turner Foundation, two organizations that are working to find a cure for the disease that affects thousands of people.

The 5K is a competitive chip-timed race, but all levels of runners and walkers are welcome. The race started at the Stag-R Inn and winded its way through the countryside before coming back into town and ending on Emden’s main street.

This year’s top runner Chris Colgren came in at just over 19 minutes.



As usual, the event brought out people of all ages from around the county and surrounding area. Between race participants and supporters that line the street to cheer them on, the number usually adds up to more than the population of the small town of Emden, which shows the level of support for the cause. Groups participating included athletic teams from around the area.

The Illini Central High School Volleyball Team from Mason City, whose coaches are from Emden, participated in the race for the second year in a row. Leann Price’s daughter is on the team and she said the [LCHS] Cougars are like a “pride,” who are strong and support one other. Price said, “They are on board when asked to do anything [and] they love to support good causes like this one. It is important to see they are making a difference in the community.”

With several people losing their lives to ALS that have ties to the small community, many in Emden know someone who has been personally affected by the disease. Just last year, the community lost John Hayes after a short battle with ALS.

His relative Laura Hayes, who volunteers for the event every year, said, “It is important because of the awareness it brings for ALS.”



Runner Carrie Schonauer (pictured right), who placed first in her age category, has participated in the event every year except for one. Schonauer said, “I love running this race because it is for such a great cause.”



Once the race ended events continued with a post-race meal, face painting, a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, raffle, and bags tournament.

With such great community support, there is hope researchers can someday find a cure for this devastating disease that has affected so many from this area and beyond.

[Angela Reiners]