The 9th Annual RileyStrong 5K Color Run and Kids Fun Run will take place throughout the city of Monmouth on August 23, starting at the American Legion. The event honors Riley Thomas, who passed away on August 16, 2016, after a courageous battle with childhood cancer. Michelle Thomas, Riley’s mother and the event organizer, says the run is a meaningful way to remember her daughter while also giving back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“Almost nine years ago, here in August, our daughter Riley passed away to unfortunately, childhood cancer. Through her eight-month journey of fighting cancer, she would go to St. Jude’s. St. Jude was obviously, for the last eight months of her life, such a big part of her life and what she went through, and the treatment she had gave us eight more months with her. With that, I’m like, what other way to do is to honor her, and raise money to help other kids like her.”
Registration for the event will begin at 8:15 a.m., with the 5K race starting at 9:00 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run beginning at 10:15 a.m. To register online, visit raceroster.com and search Rileystrong. For more information, visit the 9th Annual Riley Strong 5K and Kids Fun Run on Facebook or contact Michelle at michthomas83@gmail.com.
