Milligan’s Cross Country and Track Teams Help at Race for Wandell

The seventh annual Race for Wandell happened on Saturday, Sept. 28, and the cross country and track teams were there to help. The race is a certified 3K, that starts at East Side Elementary, went up toward Downtown Elizabethton, through the Covered Bridge and finished at the back side at East Side Elementary.

Race for Wandell started back in 2013, when East Side Elementary Principal, Josh Wandell was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Frequent visits to the ALS Center at Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, medical needs and home health care became quite costly for the Wandell family. Colleagues, friends, family and the community decided to organize an annual 3K walk/run in honor of Wandell. Since running has always been a passion of Wandell’s, it seemed fitting. All proceeds from the race go to the Wandell family.

Saturday’s race was divided into two categories: a competitive race for those wanting to run and compete and a Fun Run/Walk for those who just wish to participate. The opening ceremony started at 9:45 a.m. followed by the 3K Competitive Run at 10 a.m. and the Fun Run/Walk at 10:30 a.m.

Members of the Milligan cross country and track teams were placed along the race route directing runners and walkers throughout the course. “This event is a great community outreach opportunity for the teams, and it supports a great cause,” said Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, Chris Layne.

A few years ago, Layne was approached by some of the race’s organizers and asked if the teams would be interested in helping. They have volunteered ever since. “It is a fantastic cause that lines up well for us because it is a running event,” said Layne.

According to the race organizer, T.J. Brown, the planning for the race usually starts in early July. Meetings occur about every two weeks, where the organizers, called Team Wandell, talk about what needs to be done. 

He also talked about how the support and involvement from the community always amaze him and the Wandell family. “Josh [Wandell] has pointed out how he feels fortunate that he grew up in this area,” said Brown. “That’s the beauty of living in a small town; people are willing to come out on a Saturday and help someone.”

This year, hundreds of people from the community came out to show their support and honor Wandell. More than 100 runners showed up for the 3K Competitive Race, and over 400 people participated in the Fun Run/Walk.

Brown also wanted to point out that this race, while intended to help the Wandell family, also helps to spread awareness for ALS. “This race puts ALS awareness out there in the media, and because of that, we have had people from other states talk to us and donate money,” said Brown.

Team Wandell plans to keep organizing a race as long as there is public interest. “We hope to keep doing the race for many years,” said Brown.

Headline photo: Members for the cross country and track team after helping direct for the Race For Wandell.