Forty runners took their places under a band of green balloons at a blue chalk-drawn starting line on Sunday in front of Grand Valley State’s Kirkhof Center for the “Run For Their Lives” 5K, a 2.3-mile run through Allendale Campus that took some runners just under 13 minutes to complete.

The three runners who crossed the finish line first received a T-shirt and wristband.

But the run wasn’t about the winners, it was about the cause.

The Run For Their Lives 5K was spearheaded by GVSU student Renne Kendall as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which raises money for blood cancer research.
Kendall started as an intern, moved up to a part time position and now does recruitment work to find people to join the foundation.

Kendall’s brother, who was diagnosed with Leukemia, not only inspired her charity work but also her friends Jackie, Molly Horal and Renay Schoenmaker. Kendall was unable to attend the run due to travel issues, but her friends took the lead and hosted the race.

“Personally, I feel that Leukemia is an under looked disease that many people have,” Shoenmaker said, “We [Jackie, Molly, and Renay] joined to support Renee but we’re also doing good raising money for Leukemia and completing [health] goals we’ve set for ourselves.”

Each event, or run, has its own goal and honored hero – Sunday’s event honored Ryan Heyboer, who was diagnosed with Leukemia at age two. As for a goal, the team-in-training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hoped to raise $4,250 to benefit the team and cause.

“I try and do races for good causes and I thought this was a great opportunity where my money is being donated,” said Brittany Becvar, GVSU sophomore.

The race works as a bonding experience for some of the runners, who often stay in touch after the initial event is through.

“I get to have fun with my friends while doing something good. It’s a rewarding thing to do,” Schoenmaker said.

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