By Caylyn Pfizenmaier 

This prominent Bible verse found in the book in Hebrews has been the motto of anyone who has participated in the Red Bandana Run for the past decade.  

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”- Hebrews 12:1  

It was chosen to honor the late Mike Crimmins, who was often seen wearing a red bandana. He passed away with cancer in 2012 and his family has continued the event in remembrance. Crimmins says that the name for the event came as inspiration behind what Mike would use while enjoying the outdoors. 

The Red Bandanna Run will host its 11th installment this August. As a benefit event, it raises money for a specific cause each year. The 5k and one mile run/walk  is annually held in Morganville, along with activities like a raffle, and slowpitch softball tournament. Babette Crimmins, who was married to Mike for 31 years, along with her children Jeremy, Danelle, and Rebecca, came up with the idea.

“The first race was held in September 2014 to coincide with the Morganville Fall

Celebration,” she said. “Those who knew him recognized he always wore a red bandana to run or exercise.”

Crimmins also said the event has grown over time. 

“Originally we hosted a 5k run and 1 mile walk, local vendors would set up during the day, donating a portion of their proceeds to the run,” she said. “After race expenses, all proceeds are donated to each year’s recipient,” she said. “Within a few years the event evolved, so  we added a slow pitch softball tournament, concession stand, silent auction and gun raffle.”

Over the years the benefit run has supported 13 families, Crimmins said that this year the run will support a member of the red bandana run family: Kate Hammond and her sons, Finn and Boone, whose husband and father passed away earlier this year.

Crimmins says that Rick Hammond was an asset to the Red Bandana Run, and more specifically to the  softball tournament. 

“Rick was one of those volunteers,” she said. “He was there to set up the field, umpiring for hours without a break, he was always ready to come back the next day to start again.”

An important part of the Red Bandana Run is community, Crimmins says the reason behind the run circles back to community. 

“None of this would have been possible without the countless hours from family, friends and the community helping wherever they were needed,” she said. “We started this benefit run to give back, we understand the struggle, strain and impact that illness can have on a family,” she said. “We also know that it is hard to ask for help, let alone accept help when it is offered. A benefit of any type allows friends, family, community and beyond a means to support where they may not reach out otherwise.”

Crimmins also noted that this will be the final race and benefit. 

“This year will be our final race. We would like to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers over the years, we couldn’t have done it without you,” she said. “Thirteen families have been honored over the past 10 years.” 

If you would like to participate in the final red bandana run and raffle feel free to visit the red bandana run facebook page for more information. There on the facebook page you will find a link to sign up for the run/walk. If you prefer to have a paper copy feel free to pick up a paper entry at either GN bank, Mane Effect or Ray’s Apple Market, all donations will be accepted.