“Everyone it seems knows someone that has been touched by cancer in some way. This is a great way to show support for the families,” said Jeff Burrer of Springhill Fruit Farm in Shiloh on Sunday afternoon.
Participants gathered at the Springhill Fruit Farm to participate in the An Apple a Day 5K. The race was open to male and females with the choice to run or walk and there were various age groups that included 14 and under to 60 and over.
According to Roselyn Ramey, chairperson for Richland County Relay for Life, half of all proceeds from the race would go to the Relay for Life organization to benefit the American Cancer Society. The proceeds would help fund research, support groups, providing transportation for patients to medical appointments, prosthetics, and a 24 hour online help line for those in need of support and information.
“I would like to tell people to enjoy every minute you have with your loved ones. There are a lot of people, a lot of families affected by cancer in someway. We need more events like this to raise money to find a cure,” said Maryann Alt. Alt’s husband Jeff lost his battle with prostate cancer seven years ago. The day’s event was organized by his surviving daughter’s Teresa Alt-Corbin, Nancy Fischer and Kathy Grover to honor his memory and to support what they believe is an important cause to find a cure.
The sisters organized a Relay for Life team named “Jeff’s Girls” with the mission to compete in team fund raising events to benefit cancer in his memory
“The turnout has been great, we really appreciate the support, the runners and Springhill for letting us use the facility they are great,” said Alt-Corbin.
According to Alt-Corbin the day’s events were made possible by the generosity of several local sponsors such as her friends Jeff and Laura Burrer, owners of Springhill Fruit Farm who agreed to host the event. The store at the fruit farm also donated half of the proceeds from items sold during the days activities. Mid-Ohio Heart Clinic donated $400 and other donors include; Richland Bank, El Charrito Restaurant, Innovative Machine Technology (IMT), VFW Post 9943 and more.
There was approximately 70 people registered for the race with 50 who pre-registered and about 20 who showed up the day of. Those who participated received a free Relay for Life tee-shirt.
Diane Davies of Mansfield participated in the race and said, ”It’s a good cause, it was a nice course. The cows were very entertaining.” Davies has been participating in 5Ks and marathons for about 5-6years and said she has been running regularly with her friend Teresa (Alt-Corbin) for years and was more than glad to support the cause. “All she had to do was ask (Alt-Corbin) and I was here,” said Davies.
Mike Skidmore,from Attica and an avid runner participated in the race along with his three children: Jacob, 14; Kristina, 12, and son Caleb who is 10.
“We did trick-or-treat here. I grew up here. I’ve done 5Ks all over the county. We are happy to participate and show our support. It’s a great cause,” said Skidmore.
In the 0-14 category Cody Boebel came in first with Caleb Skidmore second and third was Jacob Skidmore.
Jimmy Kendel came in first overall with a time of 21:41 and right behind was Mike Skidmore, a close second with a time of 22:08. Both men were entered in the 30-39 age group. The first over all in the female category was Diane Davies with a time of 23:33.
“Today’s race was inspired by the memory of our dad, but we will continue to support the cause for all the families affected by cancer. In the end, it’s all for the cause,” said Kathy Grover.
There was a brief awards ceremony after the race and runners feasted on apples, homemade baked goods and hot apple cider compliments of Springhill Fruit Farm and volunteer organizers of the event.
For complete race results visit www.ohioraceday.com.
“Today’s race was inspired by the memory of our dad, but we will continue to support the cause for all the families affected by cancer. In the end, it’s all for the cause,” said Kathy Grover.
