Politics & Government
Annual 'Fun Run' Held Saturday
This Wildwood annual event drew running enthusiasts and local families. Bags of donated shoes also were gathered for the Shoeman Water Project, a fundraiser which ultimately provides clean water wells in Africa.
After a hearty breakfast of Cheerios cereal, 9-year-old Luke Hoffey and his mother, Linda, prepared for the annual , sponsored by the on Saturday. While picking up their race shirts from volunteer Bob Morris and city employee Barb Flint, Linda noted: "Luke has only done a mile before, so we'll see how he does. We just moved to Wildwood from Ballwin, and we love all of the wonderful events that the city sponsors."
The race route followed Old Manchester Road west from , past , to and back again. Many of the runners were family groups.
Gary Crews, Wildwood's superintendent of parks and recreation, said a total of 211 participants took part in the city's 10th annual run of this sort. He said 134 signed up for the 5K race and 77 kids signed up for the Fun Run.
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"The number of entries were about average this year," said Crews. "Fog created some concerns; however most found it added to the excitement of the run!"
Before the race, Wildwood brothers Jeremy and Jerod Broadbooks stretched and warmed up with breakfast treats provided by the city. Both are cross country runners; Jeremy is a 2011 grad of and younger brother Jerod is a freshman track team member there.
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Mike, Joan and Abby Groose, also Wildwood residents, participated in the run. Abby, a 9th grader, is on the school's cross country team.
Rob and Kathy Holtman, and their three children, said they all enjoyed the race. Ryce is a sixth grader at Wildwood Middle School, Adia is a fourth grader at and Caleigh is a second grader at Pond. "They've all run lots of races," said their mom. Adia is a member of the "Girls on the Run" track team at Pond. This national organization seeks to involve more girls in running sports.
"My coach, Julie Dwyer, is running in the race today," said Adia. "Girls on the Run is a really fun club. We learn about staying healthy and staying away from drugs."
During the event, many bags of shoes were collected for the . Volunteer Matt Miller of Ballwin was on-hand to accept the shoes and take them to the Shoeman warehouse. "I really enjoy helping this organization," said Miller. "George (the shoeman founder) empowers me. I help out on weekends whenever I can."
Miller, a employee, is principal at Stanton Elementary School in Fenton.
For more information about The Shoeman Project, visit the organization's website.