Miles for Medals 5K and Fun Run brings community together for a cause
Participants of the 5k miles-for-medals run are a stride away from crossing the finish line in front of Finch Field House on Oct. 8.
The sun was just beginning to rise as 500 people huddled together for warmth Saturday outside of Finch Fieldhouse.
It was only 8 a.m., but the street was filled with stretching participants waiting for the Miles for Medals 5K Run and one mile long “Fun Run” to begin.
There was a record-breaking number of participants, who raised more than $20,000 was raised for Special Olympics Michigan.
“To say we're going to do this and then actually commit is exciting for me. It's for a good cause,” Milford sophomore Chelsea Thibodeau said.
Runners of all ages were involved, from those pushing strollers to grandparents running with their grandchildren.
“I think the most rewarding thing is seeing everyone coming back home to CMU, and, more importantly, seeing people come out to support our athletes,” said Kelly Berryhill, event coordinator for the run.
Davison freshman Nicholas Sleeman was the first person to finish the race with a time of 16:00. Shortly after, a constant stream of runners began to cross the finish line. Along the street were people were cheering and shouting support for their friends and family members.
All proceeds from the event directly support more than 23,000 special needs athletes in the state through Special Olympics Michigan.
SOMI provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports from all children and adults with disabilities.
The Miles for Medals run has been a CMU Homecoming tradition for more than 25 years.
At the end of the race, every runner received a finisher medal, and prizes were awarded to the top finishers. Participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks on the steps of Finch Fieldhouse while discussing the race and their times.
“This was my best ever road race, and it’s a promising start to the season,” Mason junior Paul Pioszak said.
