Kosciusko Runners Association will cross its own finish line Dec. 5.
After 10 years as a not-for-profit, KRA will no longer offer its services.
“KRA has grown way beyond our imaginations. And with it has come many blessings, but also very wearing on both me and my family. KRA was in need of even more volunteers that could not be found,” said Bill Crane, KRA director.
On Dec. 3, KRA will do the timing for Run for The Heart 5K for the Sacred Heart School, according to a press release provided by Crane.
The first three years, KRA timed races by a hand-held timer. The last seven years they used electronic timing called Radio Frequency Identification System, where timing “chips” had to be returned. Those are still used in water events.
“Timing has come a long way in the last 10 years,” Crane said.
Ultra RFID uses a little electronic “tag” that is attached behind the Bib number, and they are disposable.
The equipment will be sold to other professional timers and the proceeds will go to local charities that have already been determined.
Crane thanked all the local organizations who helped KRA become an association to help charities both with awareness and much-needed funds to continue to work.
Some of the larger contributors were Reisa Rinker, Lakeside Fitness; K-21 Health Foundation; Kosciusko Foundation with the REMC Roundup grants and Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Foundation.
Tens of thousands have been raised by local charities the first four years of electronic timing. Because of more events getting larger each year that KRA timed, charities raised about a quarter of a million dollars each year of the last three years, according to information provided by Crane.
“This has been the greatest blessing to all of the staff of KRA,” he said.
The second half of KRA’s mission statement is equally important to KRA. It states KRA wants to help boys and girls and men and women to have healthier lifestyles by getting out and running, walking, cycling or swimming.
“Wow, the stories I could tell of little kids or older people who have gained new health because of the many events offered in this community,” Crane said.
He also thanked the many volunteers who learned to use the computers and others using muscle and brains to hook up and tear down all of the equipment.
