Perfect Day: 7th Annual SPECIAL KIDS RACE

Mar 17, 2018 at 08:36 am by bryan


Re-enactors from the Stones River National Battlefield placed a cannon in the middle of Garrison Drive and fired it to start each of Saturday morning's three Special Kids Races. It was less than a thousand feet from the historic battlefield. Each time the cannon fired, you could not help to think about how different this spot was today from 155-years ago . . .

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Over 2,800 runners signed-up in advance, but there were several walk-ins on race day. The Special Kids Race offered a 15K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run and walk.

The seventh annual event was hosted by Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, and since its beginning has raised over a million dollars for Special Kids.

Just minutes before the cannon fired, longtime educator and participant in all seven Special Kids Races, Zane Cantrell told NewsRadio WGNS . . .

Tribute

Rachel and Bryson are this year's impact Special Kids partners for the 7th annual Special Kids Race. Rachel's smile is contagious. You can't help but be energized when you're around her. Rachel is a nursing and therapy patient. Her brother, Bryson, loves big and is a friend to everyone. Bryson is a peer-model in Special Kids' "EQUIP" program.

The children's mother told the runners before the race, "Special Kids is not just a safe place for kids but it's a safe place for parents. There are times I've walked in and teachers will just pray for you. It's not easy being the parent of a special needs child and a 3-year old as well and we can struggle...I can pour my heart out and they will pour into me and speak God's word. There's nowhere else like Special Kids. I am so grateful."

To read their full story, please visit SpecialKidsRace.org/Stories.

Special Kids

Special Kids is a Christian therapy and nursing center for children with special needs. The Murfreesboro-based ministry started with one child in 1998 and has grown to serve over 3,700 children from 19 counties in middle Tennessee. For more information on Special Kids, please visit specialkidstn.com or call 615.893.4892.

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