Threats of inclement weather couldn’t hold back more than 750 people from sprinting and walking for a good cause.
The ninth annual Ellen’s Race 5K Run and Walk took off Sunday morning from Pinecrest Elementary School, 1811 Pinecrest Drive. People of all ages and from different communities joined the race to line up at 9 a.m. and listen for the countdown to start.
“It was one of those days where your clothes were dampened, but not your spirit,” said Gerry Osborn, Ellen’s father. “People were actually giggling about the rain. They didn’t seem to mind at all.”
The race celebrates the life of Ellen Osborn, a fourth-grader at Pinecrest Elementary who died in 1993.
Ellen died from complications during surgery. Money raised from donations and entry fees will be donated to Ele’s Place, 600 W. St. Joseph St. in Lansing, which helps children and families cope with the death of a family member or loved one.
Money also went to the Michigan Capitol Girl Scout Council and the Ellen Osborn Memorial Fund, which donates money to Pinecrest Elementary.
Throughout the race’s nine years, it has raised more than $100,000. Race Director Rob Thompson said at least $15,000 was probably raised this year.
Participants paid a registration fee or collected pledges for the 3.1 mile trek.
“Our numbers were down a bit, but it was a good neighborhood experience,” Ellen’s mother Sue Granger-Osborn said.
But the race still is popular enough for an Ellen’s Race West to compliment the current one. Osborn hopes both races will be up and running next year.
Prizes went to the top winners in various age categories.
An 18-year-old was this year’s winner with an official time of 16 minutes.
“I got sixth or seventh place last year, so this is nice,” Hemlock resident Steve Czymbor said. “This race is more kid-oriented. It makes it a family-oriented event.”
Beside having the best time, Czymbor also took home a rocking chair for coming in first.
Other runners such as East Lansing resident Gary Marx raced with his family. Marx has been racing in the event for several years.
“We live right here in the neighborhood and our daughter goes to this school,” Marx said. “This is just a great fund-raiser.”
But some participants decided to keep the race much more relaxed.
Lansing resident Todd Quiring came with his girlfriend, Lansing resident Esther Spencer.
“She really enjoyed it last year and I thought it was for a good cause, so I joined this year,” Quiring said, adding he was going to walk. “I just got done with a job search, so I haven’t gotten time to get in shape yet.”
Although Spencer has participated before as a sprinter, she decided to walk with Quiring. Spencer said the course length is perfect and she hopes to improve on her personal best next year.
“We’re planning on making it a tradition,” Spencer said. “I like the ideas it promotes and it’s for a good cause.”
