By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherrryroad.com
For some, last Saturday morning’s 5K in Pratt was a chance to see what they could do, for others it was chance to make family and friend connections, but for race organizer Rayden Crow, the Finish What He Started 5K was a chance to honor her late father.
“The name is also the name of the platform that I created in honor of my father. He did a lot to mentor and help other guys who were in recovery because he struggled with drug addiction and substance use for around 30 years of his life,” Crow said. “He created a community around him that he was very approachable about that kind of stuff. After he passed I wanted to continue that on in my own way.”
More than 20 runners and walkers showed up Saturday at Lemon Park to support Crow and her father’s memory. The $25 race fee included a special t-shirt for early registrants. The money raised was to be distributed between the Pratt Elks Lodge and the Pratt DCCCA. Organizations that are both actively involved in providing resources and education to help fight substance abuse in Pratt, Crow said.
“I chose to do a 5K because I have grown up going to and participating in races for different causes and seeing the turnout of people there simply for a cause greater than themself has always been so inspiring. So the end goal of this race was one to raise money for local organizations that support the education and recovery of substance abuse and two to bring people out for fun competition,” Crow said.
Girls’ division medalist Jaylee Beisner, a Skyline Schools student, said she has been wanting to run a 5K for some time. Her mother, Chelsea Beisner, said they were thankful for the opportunity to run a race so close to home and one that held special meaning for a greater purpose.
A three-generational team of Gail Brown, Josie Fox (daughter), and Bryleigh Fox (granddaughter), completed the 5K course that went from Lemon Park through downtown Main Street in Pratt, and then ended again at the park, in record time. They said it was a workout but for a good cause.
Tamicia Coleman stopped in at the finish line and offered a check for support of Crow’s cause because she said she grew up in Pratt and knew family members of the Crow family.
“I just moved back to Pratt recently and it is so good to see all the good events that go on here, especially things like this that really provide support in the community for what matters,” Coleman said.
Crow, who is a candidate for the Miss Kansas Teen pageant this year, hopes to continue building support for drug addiction and substance abuse recovery as her platform of community service. She plans to make the FWHS 5K an annual event.
