Running for Fallen Heroes
Something I really enjoy about Gainesville is how united the community is. When most people think of Gainesville, they only think about the University of Florida, but the city has much more to offer. People are willing to help each other out. This was evident in an event I went to today; there was just so much love. The event was called Fallen Heroes 5k. It was a commemoration for two fallen Navy Seal soldiers who went to UF.
Today was the 11th annual run. Over two-hundred people registered to participate. There were college students, children, adults, and older people participating. I spoke to some of the to ask them why did they did the event. All answered their reason for running was because they wanted to honor and show appreciation towards soldier.
I interviewed a man who was on his daily bike ride. He stopped because the event had caught his attention. As I was speaking to him, I found out that he had served in the military for over four years. He had no idea that the event was happening. I also spoke to a family who ran the 5k. It was a family a four: grandparents, a grandson, and the boy's mother. The grandfather had served in the military for over twenty years. He had known one of the two fallen soldiers and was honoring him. The grandson wanted to show support for his grandfather.
Some people participated because they had a motive, but others didn't. To me, it's crazy how everyone has their own story. What's crazier is how everyone came together to help one another. Strangers were cheering each other on to keep going.
The run lasted about an hour. After, participants enjoyed food and beverages to help them refresh from the run they had just done. There was a closing ceremony and after, people parted their ways. I stuck around for a little bit talking to different participants. I asked them how the experience was and most, if not all, told me they would be back next year. So, if you're someone who loves doing things with a purpose this event is something you should definitely consider. The event also isn't expensive to participate; it was $20 to register to run. Another plus side is that you will be done with your workout early in the day!
Today was the 11th annual run. Over two-hundred people registered to participate. There were college students, children, adults, and older people participating. I spoke to some of the to ask them why did they did the event. All answered their reason for running was because they wanted to honor and show appreciation towards soldier.
I interviewed a man who was on his daily bike ride. He stopped because the event had caught his attention. As I was speaking to him, I found out that he had served in the military for over four years. He had no idea that the event was happening. I also spoke to a family who ran the 5k. It was a family a four: grandparents, a grandson, and the boy's mother. The grandfather had served in the military for over twenty years. He had known one of the two fallen soldiers and was honoring him. The grandson wanted to show support for his grandfather.
Some people participated because they had a motive, but others didn't. To me, it's crazy how everyone has their own story. What's crazier is how everyone came together to help one another. Strangers were cheering each other on to keep going.
The run lasted about an hour. After, participants enjoyed food and beverages to help them refresh from the run they had just done. There was a closing ceremony and after, people parted their ways. I stuck around for a little bit talking to different participants. I asked them how the experience was and most, if not all, told me they would be back next year. So, if you're someone who loves doing things with a purpose this event is something you should definitely consider. The event also isn't expensive to participate; it was $20 to register to run. Another plus side is that you will be done with your workout early in the day!
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