Jared Coones Pumpkin Run 2011

When we moved here last year, we were too late to join in on the Jared Coones Pumpkin Run. It's a 5k that is run locally and you might think it would be a small event, but it was actually one of the biggest runs we've been to as a family.

It is run in remembrance of Jared Coones, who died of Leukemia when he was just 10 years old. The route is planned to wind through his old neighborhood where he rode his bike and starts and stops at his elementary school.

Sunnyside Elementary trains their running club (Sunrunners!) for the event every year. This year Mathew joined the Sunrunners and we also happened to move in next door to the Coones family. It was an amazing experience for us all and we were very touched by the massive support from the community.

The entire Sunrunners team:

The family before the race. We attempted to all wear our hodge podge of school pride shirts. Anna didn't feel it was very cool to go all "matchy matchy" and opted for a classic pink onesie. 

While Mark and Mathew ran, I let the kids gather hedge apples to keep them entertained.

It was a bountiful harvest, as you can see.

Coming down the last stretch:

The triumphant: