'Breath of Life' 5K defies storm

Rain poured from the sky at the Ogden River Parkway at the beginning of the second annual Respiratory Therapy 5k run, titled "A Breath of Life 5K" early Saturday morning. With the rain still not letting up at 8 a.m., participants lined up on the starting line, and started the race. Some ran to win, and others ran at a slower rate, but all runners ran for the cause. Two wheelchairs were prepared with respiratory ventilators dressed as people as a reminder of those they were running for. Jenelle Dapp and Chrissy McFarlane, two entry-level respiratory therapy students, were in charge of pushing "Wall-E," one of the ventilators in a wheelchair. These students, who are both very active in running, said they knew this experience would be a little different than other 5Ks they have run. "I used to swim and run cross country, but this race will be different," Dapp said. An entry fee of $25 for participants over 12 years old went toward the American Respiratory Care Foundation. This foundation makes it possible for funds to be raised for those in need of respiratory care. McFarlane agreed but was also in it for the competion. "We are entry level students and we want to win the race for bragging rights," McFarlane said. Eager students, faculty, and volunteers arrived early to get organized and to get their T-shirt and racing number. Those in charge provided breakfast and hot chocolate to runners and observers to fuel their energy before they got on the track. Only 18 minutes after the race began, the first runner passed through the finish line. As the participants caught their breath and mingled together, more sandwiches and drinks were prepared. Tanner Trujillo, one of the members involved in the organization, stood up, and gave his thanks to those who participated. "It has been a great turnout," Tanner said, "Next year's run will be around the same time, but maybe sunnier." Tanner awarded the 1st place runner with a $100 dollar gift certificate to Peak Performance. A raffle was then held for participants who had donated to the foundation. Several gifts were given, including hats, and gift certificates. Students and faculty interested in registering for next year's run can contact Tanner Trujillo who will email the registration form for next year's race when the date is closer. The rain may not have stopped, but neither did the participants. No one seemed disturbed by the cold, because of the purpose of the activity. This is just one more project that is performed in one of Janelle Gardiner's classes that seeks to improve the lives of those in need. This 5k run has now become a tradition, and members of the student representatives from the class are already planning ways to improve, and grow, an already meaningful activity.