Ozark Teen Challenge 5K
by Tiffany Lyle
BRANSON, MO — A lazy fog drifted over Lake Taneycomo early Saturday morning giving the soon-to-be-hot day a cool start.
Though the Landing is typically empty during the morning hours, people of all ages were walking about with numbers plastered on their shirts signifying an upcoming race. They, along with Ronzo the Clown, Springfield Batman, and several booths were all there for one reason: To support Ozark Teen Challenge.
Ozark Teen Challenge hosted their very first official 5K after tackling the Bass Pro Half-Marathon and participating in the Little Rock Marathon event.
Sarah Walters, a volunteer at the event and first aid responder, said this is her first time being a part of an Ozark Teen Challenge event but said she thinks what their program offers to young teens who struggle with drug addiction is nothing short of amazing.
“This program helps young teens walk through their lives with somebody by their side,” Walters said. “Their staff works with students to help them get through their deepest, darkest parts and I think it’s cool that Ozark Teen Challenge is giving students a healthy way to get through addictions.”
One such student, Nathan Jadrich, is on week 14 of the 15-week program and said he would be walking the race with his mother.
“I want to run to be an example to others to be sober, to get better,” Jadrich described. “[Ozark Teen Challenge] is a good place to grow and just take what life throws at you. This program restores relationships, it puts you on your feet when you get knocked down and it gives you something to fall back on in a bad situation.”
Recently, Ozark Teen Challenge lost one student after graduation due to drug overdose.
Pierce Johnson [pictured above right], former student and volunteer at the event, said the marathon is to raise awareness to let the community know that when they run, they run to stop addiction and to remember the lives lost to drugs.
“Today is the day to raise awareness,” Johnson said when describing the purpose of the race. “You’ll see different people wearing different colored wristbands that mean different things,” Johnson continued. “Like, a black wristband is to remember those who lost their lives to addiction.
“I went through this program when I was 17 and I got saved, I got to know Christ. I stayed on as a volunteer afterwards,” Johnson said.
The 5K circled around the Landing, going along the entire strip, through the parking lot, and along the North Boardwalk next to Lake Taneycomo. Those not participating in the race were around the sidelines giving their support and cheers to those who passed by.
Hunter Lamoureux, student of Ozark Teen Challenge and winner of the race, said this was his first time to run a 5k race.
“I like the atmosphere,” Lamoureux said when asked about the importance of the event. “It’s healthy, it’s positive, and we’re all here running for those who are struggling. I really like that though these people are running quite a distance, there’s just smiles everywhere.”
All the money raised will go towards building a new Home of Hope Dormitory for the boys of Ozarks Teen Challenge.
July 19, 2015
plate 1 (top). Branson Landing Square, just prior to race start.
plate 2. Pierce Johnson, now a volunteer with Ozark Teen Challenge.
plate 3. Even Springfield’s Batman made an appearance for the kids.
plate 4. Ronzo the Clown provided fun, balloons... and even a plunger!
plate 5. Editor Joshua Heston participated in the race in support of Ozark Teen Challenge.
plate 6. Medals awaited the runners.
plate 7. After a circuitous route, runners finished at the square.
All photos by Tiffany Lyle.
