My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #4 “Camie’s Run” A Race with a Purpose
My Favorite Runs of 2011 #4 – “Camie’s Run”
Number four on the list of my favorite runs of 2011 is more about life than it is about running. On June 4th of last year I ran “Camie’s Run” at Orem High School just a few blocks from my house. Camie’s run was a 5K race organized by some members of the Orem High Cross Country team. Camie Jacobs has been a friend of mine for many years, in fact I think I have known her since I was in Kindergarten. Camie was a cross country runner back in high school and continued to run at Southern Utah University. She has continued to be an avid runner as well as being involved in youth soccer and many other things in our community.
Camie and her husband Andy are cross country and track coaches at Orem High and have a great relationships with the kids in the program. Camie’s family has a history of colon cancer and, unfortunately, early last year Camie was suddenly diagnosed with colon cancer. When the Orem High runners heard about the diagnosis and the serious nature of the situation they decided to do something to help the family out. Since running was the bond that they all shared, the students secretly started to plan a 5K run to raise money and help the family out. Seniors Taylor Charles, Wendy Peterson and Garrett Christensen spearheaded the event. As Seniors they already had a lot going on with graduation coming but this was something that was very important to them. They saw Camie as a second mother. They publicized the event on Facebook and spent a lot of time and effort planning out all the details. On the morning of the race I think everyone was surprised by the large crowds. It was a beautiful morning with blue skies and sunshine. Camie, though weak at the time from treatments, was able to be there and express her thanks to those attending. Nearly 500 people participated in the run and they raised more than $10,000. Camie’s husband Andy said that they would use some of the money for medical bills but in the spirit of giving planned to donate the rest to others. Andy said, “We learned that there is a lot of suffering out there and with just a little community effort, that suffering can be lessened.”
When it comes down to it this is what the running community is all about, helping other people to overcome those little hurdles that get in our way at one time or another. It was great to see so many people come together to help out a great family and a great person. It was great to see young men and young women learn some of life’s great lessons. This was truly one of my favorite running experiences of the year. Keep “Running Through Life.”
You can see a newspaper article about “Camie’s Run” here
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #6 Great People Great Runs
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #5 A Few Hours Of Solitude
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #4 Camie’s Run – A Run With A Purpose
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #3 Hope to Hobble & Carebears and Unicorns
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #2 The St George Marathon & The New Recruits
My Favorite Runs of 2011 – #1 Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination – The Tahoe Rim Trail
