And the runners are off

WARSAW — Halloween morning was cold and damp. But that did not deter over 200 runners and walkers from dressing in costumes and participating in the first Lutheran Health Network-KCH Freaky 5K through the Beyer Trail and along the Warsaw Greenway.

Over $5,000 was raised and will be given to the Cancer Care Fund of Kosciusko County to help cancer patients and their families through the financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis.

Neal Butler, Winona Lake, was the first to cross the finish line in around 16 minutes.

Race winners were Neal Butler of Winona Lake and Jessica Turner, also from Winona Lake.

Title sponsor KCH CEO, Kirk Ray was quoted as saying: “This race is congruent with our mission and cancer programs at Kosciusko Community Hospital. It’s important for the community to see that we are committed to cancer services and this is another way to get out awareness about cancer care and prevention of cancer.” Other sponsors included Discount Tire and OSMC, Rabb Kinetic and Martin’s Supermarkets.

Race Directors Cindy Knafel and Ron Smock said “thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100 percent of our participants’ registration fees will go directly to the fund and will be available to help with mortgages, rent, food, gas and other financial expenses that can arise from a battle with cancer.”

The Cancer Care Fund is administered by the K21 Health Foundation at no cost to the CCF. Anyone wishing to volunteer as a committee member on one of the CCF fundraisers, visit the Cancer Care Fund KC FaceBook page and send a message. The committee is always looking for new people with new ideas to help friends and neighbors in Kosciusko County suffering from a cancer diagnosis.

Freaky 5K race photos will be posted all month on the CCF Facebook page.