Running for Relay to save a life

The Save-A-Life Relay for Life Team tried a new fundraiser this year and was pleased to call it a success.

The team usually holds an annual motorcycle Poker Run. Because the number of runs has increased in the area and people are focusing on better heath, team members decided to instead hold a 5K run or a walk, Jan Hawkins said.

The run/walk was held June 13 at Save-A-Lot in Bonne Terre. Seventy-nine people participated.

“The members of our team are so very proud of the number of people who came out to support us for our first Annual 5K Run/Fun Walk, Hawkins said.

Runners received T-shirts and goodie bags that held donations of coupons and other such items from area businesses.

Save-A-Life team member and cancer survivor Jason Thornton shared his story about his recent battle with cancer and thanked all the participants for their support in the fight against cancer.

Run coordinators, Jan Hawkins and Michelle Smith presented winning certificates to the winners. Scott Speidel won first place in the men’s group for ages 20 to 40. He dedicated his winning run to his late mother-in-law Susan Benoist and to his good friend Sharon Burr, who is fighting cancer. Jordan Scott won second place in that race.

Randy Swift took first place in the men’s age group for ages 41 and older and Ed Schutte came in second.

In the women’s division for ages 2- to 40, Tiffany Sucharski came in first, followed by Jennifer Swift. Judy Perry was first in the 40 and older division, with Mary Clark taking second place.

Participation certificates went to the children who participated in the run: Adam Perry, Alison Parks, Braden Swift, Holden Swift, Madalyn Swift, Wyatt Scott, Charlotte Randol, and Paige Clark.  

The Save-A-Life team thanks all who supported this event and plans another run/walk next year.