The Richard Rhoads Memorial 5K Walk/Run (RR5K) benefiting local cancer patients will be held on Sunday, April 10, from 1-4 p.m. at Peebles High School.
All proceeds from the Walk/Run will go to the Adams County Cancer Center and local cancer patients in the form of gas gift cards to aide in the expense of traveling for treatment.
“This event is about putting a face on cancer, encouraging others in their fight, and being able to give back locally – that is why we Walk/Run,” said Linda Rhoads. “This race is designed to be a ‘picture’ of how cancer affects our community, regardless of age, gender, race, or economic status.” Linda is the wife of the late Richard Rhoads who lost his battle with cancer in 2012.
RR5K organizers are extending a special invitation to local cancer patients who are currently taking treatments. “We don’t expect them to walk or run unless they choose to, but we want to honor them by announcing their names during a ceremony that will be held at 2 p.m., just before the walk begins,” Rhoads says, “We will also have a canopy, chairs, and bottled water available for those who choose to stay and enjoy the afternoon with us.”
According to Rhoads the RR5K has evolved over time.
“We started in 2012 as a fundraiser for the Shear Magic Relay for Life Team,” she explains. “Richard was scheduled to be at the Walk that year, but he passed away just days before the event. After that, it became the Memorial Walk/Run in his honor with the proceeds still going to the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. In 2014 we evaluated the event, and decided we wanted to target cancer patients locally. It’s not so much to honor Richard as it is to put a face on cancer, encourage one another, and give people a chance to give back locally to others in the fight. That, in itself, would make him proud.”
The new RR5K Walk/Run was inaugurated the following year. The event organizer, Shay Beighle said, “I was honored when I was asked to organize the 5K Run/Walk for the inaugural event and I look forward to being a part of it each year. Last year my family walked in memory of our Mam-mam, Betty Bracken. The day is a beautiful event filled with families and people of all ages – love and positive energy fills the air.”
A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served at noon in the Track building and at 3 p.m. a raffle drawing will be held to give away prizes including: a wooden knife made and donated by Richard (Soupbone) Davis and an Old Timer Dog Leg Jack limited edition knife set. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased for $1 each, and are available at Davis’ Barbershop in West Union and at Shear Magic Styling Salon in Peebles.
The Run begins at 1:30 p.m., the Walk at 2 p.m. Registration for runners begins at 1 p.m., and for walkers at 1:30 p.m. First place prizes will be given in the Men’s, Women’s, and Student categories.
Pre-registration for the Walk/Run is available until April 2. Registration forms can be picked up at Shear Magic Styling Salon at 800 Portsmouth Road in Peebles or call 587-3256 for information. The fee is $25 for Adults, $12 for students, and $7 for children 0-5 years old. Participants will receive a T-shirt when they pre-register. T-shirt sizes above an XL will require an additional $2. Participants who register after April 2, or on the day of the event may order a T-Shirt for an additional $10, but it will not be available on race day. Rain date is April 17.
