Sunshine and raindrops marked the 23rd Annual Hospice of Washington County 5K

WASHINGTON— Thunder rumbled ominously as Hospice of Washington County registered runners and walkers for their 23rd Annual 5K Memorial Walk/Run Fundraiser, Saturday, at Sunset Park.

Storms stayed away for the duration of the run, but runners and walkers did receive a cool-down from some light showers shortly after the first runner, Blaine Widmer, crossed the finish line just under 19 minutes.

According to Office Administrator and Event Coordinator Tiffany Crawford, 118 participants preregistered for the event and 32 registered the day of the race.

Among the 150 participants, Jack Shepherd was the first kid to cross the finish line at just over 23 minutes.

Jack’s dad, Zach Shepherd has made running a family event over the last year.

Zach Shepherd finished third, right behind his oldest son Andrew, at the Demon Dash this past May.

“I’m not huffing quite as much this time,” Zach Shepherd said.

According to the Shepherd dad, the boys run with their dad three or four times a week, now.

“The Demon Dash was the start of something,” he said.

Jack enjoys running and participating with his dad, and says that his dad pushes him the whole way.

“He’s a stud,” Zach Shepherd said of Jack. “I was glad to see him push through.”

As other runners crossed the finish line, the cheers of “Good job runner!” and “Finish strong!” grew in strength and numbers.

Stephanie Aguirre crossed the finished line with her dog Thor and gained attention for more than just the cute fur ball.

Upon completing this 5k, Aguirre finished her second 5K with her prosthetic leg.

“I have to complete 3 5K’s to get a running blade,” Aguirre explained.

The mother of four says that she loves running, but needs a running blade so she can be more active.

Her current prosthetic does not let her reach her full potential.

Aguirre lost her leg to a lifesaving amputation due to sarcoma when she was a child.

She has been cancer free since the amputation.

October 1, Aguirre plans to finish her last qualifying 5k with Hurts Donut Run in Coralville.

One large group, of at least 27, was easy to see throughout the race in their bright yellow matching shirts.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…” ran across the back of the shirts, and a small sun with the name Laura decorated the front in honor of Laura Fischer’s favorite Bible passage, Psalm 23, and one of her favorite songs, “You are my Sunshine.”

According to Mike Vanosdol, Fischer’s brother-in-law, she received wonderful care through Hospice of Washington County.

Fischer’s daughter Sam Brinning participated in the run/walk with her children in memory of her mom, Mike’s wife, and her grandparents.

“The biggest reason we chose to do this walk is because hospice was so good with all of our family members,” Brinning said. “They went above and beyond to care for my mom, to make sure she was relaxed and calm at the hardest time of her life.”

“It felt like we should be in the rain, and yet still have the sunshine,” Brinning said as the rain drops continued to fall and the sun continued to shine.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com