On Saturday, the Christopher Cash 5K Memorial Run took a huge step forward, as the race attracted more than 400 participants.
The race, which started in 2004, has evolved immensely from its birth, as evidenced by Saturday’s numbers. As rain steadily fell and the temperatures hovered near 55 degrees, 305 runners and more than 100 walkers braved the conditions to take part in the annual tradition.
It’s not yet known how much money the race raised, but the figures are sure to be some of the highest in its history.
This year the race organizers, Bob and Nancy Lee Kelley, awarded six scholarships worth $1,000 apiece to college-bound Maine students from proceeds raised during the 2010 race and the Christopher Cash Scholarship fund.
This year, one scholarship went to a Biddeford High School graduate, one to a Thornton Academy graduate, two to Old Orchard Beach High School graduates and two special scholarships for the first time to students who had lost a sibling in a war.
The ability to produce six scholarships is a testament to the Kelleys’ spirit and dedication, and also to the people of southern Maine, who turned out in full force to focus on a great cause.
Nancy Lee Kelley began the race in 2004 as a way to honor her son, Christopher Cash. A 1985 Old Orchard Beach High School graduate and avid runner, Cash died in Iraq in 2004 during combat.
While ordering his platoon to stand down and get back into their tanks, Cash, the commanding officer, emerged from his tank’s turret to make sure his troops followed his orders. Shots rang out and two bullets struck him in the head. He was only 36, and Friday marked the seventh anniversary of his death.
The Kelleys began the race as a coping method, but also as a way to honor their son. They began with modest goals and hoped to award a $300 scholarship to a York County student. By the time that first race began, they were able to afford several $500 scholarships.
The race in Christopher Cash’s name allows his memory to continue. His mother has said that he would be proud that his tragedy could result in positives for future generations.
That again was on display on Saturday. The two scholarships awarded to the students who had lost siblings in recent combat were new this year. They were only made possible by the efforts of the generous people who donated their time and money in Cash’s name.
Too often we hear of greed and corruption, not only in southern Maine, but through our nation. It’s easy to forget that life is not always bad and filled with perils. When reading about events such as the Christopher Cash run, we are reminded that sensible and honorable actions still exist, and that communities, especially in York County, come together for causes that affect more than just individuals.
Nancy Lee Kelley will never forget the pain she felt when her son died, but through her efforts and the race in his honor, she will always know it was not in vain.
That’s the true spirit of York County and that’s the true spirit of the Christopher Cash 5K Memorial Run.
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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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