Run for the Cure 2021
It was another fantastic event yesterday at Freeman Park. I first need to thank Doug and Cheyenne Swanson, and Cody and Salem Thomas for all the hard work they put into this event. They do so many great events like this throughout the year to help our community and I am honored to be part of this event with them.
The event starts at 9:00 and Salem told me people usually start showing up around 8:00. So, in order to stay true to what I refer to as “Max Wilker Time,” Kristi and I arrived a little after 7:00. It was a little chilly at first, so I was glad I wore my usual “Run for the Cure” attire. It is a long-sleeved bright neon pink shirt and black sweatpants with the “Shannon Wilker Foundation” in bright neon pink on the leg. This has been my wardrobe for this event every year. It started when Doug Swanson invited me to his store three years ago to let me know they were going to start donating the funds from the event to the Shannon Wilker Foundation. He said he was going to do a Facebook Live to promote the event and wanted me to say a few words. After I finished, he encouraged everyone to show up wearing pink. Then he said, “We’re going to get Shane to show up in pink as well!” “Challenge accepted!” I replied.
Cody had me say a few words to the crowd before the race. I thanked Doug, Cheyenne, Cody, and Salem for all the support they have given the Foundation. I thanked everyone for their support for the event. I told the crowd that although there is some division in our country right now, that is not what our country is. That is not what our community is. Events like this where everyone wants to do what they can to help each other is what our country and communities are all about.
I love this event because it’s a great way to start Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is also great to see the sun come up as you look out at a large group of people in pink attire to support their community. To me it’s a reminder that every day you have a chance to make a difference in someone’s life and your community. Every day is a gift, and we are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. I am grateful to every one of you for all your support. Thanks for reading.
Next week: I Love my Community
P.S. I invited people on social media to come to the event and was quickly reminded by my brother Wade of something I have always said about running. “That is why God created horses.”