Taking Care of Business

There are papers stacked everywhere. At any given time, there is a laptop, an iPad, a tablet, and two smartphones being used or ringing. The TO DO list continues to grow instead of shrinking. And there have been too few home-cooked meals in the last several weeks.

It’s the last days before this year’s 5K, and we desperately want to do this well. Fortunately, we are surrounded by amazing people with exceptional skills and “work hard” mentalities. From computers to marketing to organizing to doing whatever is asked, these volunteers are some of the best people I know. And I will always be grateful for their presence in our lives. They are rock stars.

This year’s 5K is being held at New Century Air Center (nestled right between Olathe and Gardner). It’s a great route with plenty of room. We have awesome sponsors, some of whom will be out there on August 3rd giving away freebies. There will also be opportunities to purchase items from generous supporters making donations to our cause. We will be doing a special dedication of our new “Ise Station” in memory of Dr. Frank Ise, who ran with us last year before collapsing at the finish line. And, of course, there will be door prizes and a Chinook or two.

Packet Pick Up will be Friday, August 2nd from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Olathe Hen House (135th & Blackbob). You may also pick up your packet on August 3rd at the registration table before the start of the 5K. If you haven’t registered yet, you have until 11:59 pm on July 31 to register online. If you miss that, you can register before the start of the run/walk (registration will be $30 after July 31). Day-of registration and packet pick up will open at 6:00 am on Saturday, August 3rd . Parking will be marked, and there will be plenty of volunteers to steer you in the right direction.

It will be a busy day. There will be hugs and laughter and flags and maybe a few tears. (Caveat: I will be there. There WILL be tears.) We’re hoping for good weather and no injuries, power failures, or other mishaps. Most of all, we want to do our best to honor those who have been willing to sacrifice for our continued freedom. At the end of the day, that will be our measure of success.

See you August 3rd!

~Megan Moore Duncan