On October 6th, the Love & Hope kids ran a symbolic race at Parque Balboa in Los Planes de Renderos, El Salvador. We ran to show our solidarity with and gratitude for those entered in the first ¡cincokilometro! 5k race in Ohio to benefit Love & Hope Children’s Home. We had so much fun!
We put on our running bibs, drove down to the park and made our way to the starting line. Everyone was excited, but some took it more seriously than others.
When Rachel said “Go!” everyone took off sprinting. The adults had to run to catch up to the little ones!
Even a few of our caregivers and friends ran with us.
Some of us enjoyed the run by not running.
We brought along a roll of crepe paper for the start and finish. The little ones loved setting up the finish line for the older kids over and over again.
We made sure to stay hydrated.
At the end, three people from each age group received first, second and third place. The first place winners won gift certificates!
After the race we relaxed and had lunch. All in all it was a great run and a great morning!
The following Saturday, October 13th, 70 runners and 50 walkers gathered at Wiegand’s Lake Park in Ohio for the first ¡cincokilometro! 5k run and 1k walk.
It was 33 degrees farenheit with hazy sunshine at the starting line of a trail that had never been run before. In fact, the northern portion of the trail was created especially by the Wiegand’s Lake Park staff for ¡cincokilometro!
After leaving the starting line, the runners encountered meadows, trails, foot bridges, rolling hills, and colorful forests with the leaves of Geauga County, Ohio at their peak. The runners enjoyed the brand-new course for its difficulty and beauty.
Nick Billock of Rootstown, Ohio was the first champion, establishing the course record at a fast (for a trail run) 22 minutes and 30 seconds!
After the race, Kelly Moore had a few moments to share with the runners and walkers about the ministry of Love & Hope Children’s Home. Meanwhile, those who came out for the race were provided with hot food and snacks by the Wiegand’s Lake staff.
The top three men and top three women finishers received winners certificates and a pound of Salvadoran coffee!
Next year’s race has already been scheduled for October 12th, 2013 at Wiegand’s Lake Park in Novelty, Ohio!
Thank you to Mark Zimmerman for organizing ¡cincokilometro!, Wendy Wiegand and family for donating their facilities to the event (seen below with a running bib signed by the Love & Hope kids), and the AME International advisory board for donating their time to volunteer at the race! Over $2000 was raised for Love & Hope Children’s Home!
