Recognizing service

Financial Horizons Credit Union raised $2,040 for Churchill County’s first responders over the weekend during the Honoring American Heroes 5k.

Seventy-six runners gathered this year, ranging from adults to children pushed in a stroller. Participants ran, jogged and walked a route west from the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, Saturday. The route went through town then looped back to return to the start.

Among the participants, three service personnel — including active duty military, retired military and a first responder — carried the American flag one mile each; at the finish, the trio had run the flag the full 5k.

According to Angela Guthrie, of the credit union, everything went great. She said participants were very receptive to everything and had a good time; the beverages, ice cream and ice pops provided were very popular on the hot day. She added the first responders in attendance were appreciative of everything and the recognition they received.

The waning heat of the day had a negative impact on numbers, however; fewer people came than the FHCU was hoping based on last year’s turnout.

“I think the heat really had an effect (on turnout),” Guthrie said.

After the runners started, the fire department turned on a hose suspended over the street so runners entering the final stretch to the finish line would be doused in cool water. After they crossed, they received a medal for completing the course.

After most of the runners were back, a small awards ceremony was held where the first, second and third-place male and female runners were presented an additional medal.

As the event wound down, participants enjoyed the ice cream, beverages and ice pops provided.

The American Heroes 5k will be happening again next year, and Guthrie is already brainstorming ideas. She said there may be some changes in 2018 — one big one she mentioned was seeing if the hospital would let them host it there, since there would be more first responders who could be recognized as well as the CareFlight helicopter and other emergency vehicles crews.

“Next year will be bigger and better,” Guthrie said.