2012 Run Ella Run memorial 5k

2012 Run Ella Run memorial 5k

Last year when we returned home from the Washington funeral, Dacia decided she wanted to do an Ella Run 5k.  So with a week of planning in the midst of everything else that was going on (like taking care of an invalid), we had our first Ella race with about 40 runners.  It started and finished right in front of our house, didn't involve race bibs and the starting line was drawn in the street with chalk.  It was very fun and we decided to make it an annual event.

The inaugural Ella 5k from 2011

We mentioned to the chief of the South Congaree police department (who had original jurisdiction of the accident) that we are having an Ella Run and they wanted to get involved. The town of South Congaree hosts a "Stuff a Stocking" program every December to provide Christmas gifts to unfortunate children. This is exactly the kind of thing that our Gabriella Shumate Memorial Foundation was created to accomplish - simply bringing happiness to children.  As a result, we combined efforts and we had to push to keep up with the momentum.

Our initial plan was to double the 2011 runnership for the 2012 race, but that didn't last long.  The venue, police presence, and race course across major roads made it a big success.  This year, we came up with a clever name (The Run Ella Run Memorial 5k) and with the support of one of our sponsors, had a website built.  We sought more sponsors, created t-shirts, and even had chip timing for the runners. 

The venue was the town's arena, which we were able to use at no cost.  It had lighting, a kitchen, bathroom facilities as well as parking, and seating for several hundreds.  We will be able to host future races here and build consistency with the participants as there is so much room to grow.  The stage in the above photo was donated from a local church. 

It seems that one of the biggest expenses for races is the police presence.  We had about 25 police officers who volunteered their time, and worked to disrupt the local traffic as little as possible, while directing the runners through the course. Although the race started at 8am, it crossed several high-traffic roads.  Unlike last year, all of the necessary approvals from the Highway Patrol and DOT were obtained. 

The runners started showing up and getting ready about 7am.  The tall gentleman to the right of the bottom photo is the defense attorney for Caitlin, who was the driver that hit Devin and Ella.  He is standing with his son and some runners from his office. 

The boys' school, Saxe Gotha Elementary, had a group of runners.  In the middle of the above photo wearing sunglasses, is Ms. Houck, the school's principal. 

The runners gathering for pre-race instructions and announcements. 

Chief Amodio introducing the Mayor of South Congaree.

Runners making their way to the starting line. 

The family of 6 above ran the race while pushing two double stollers. They are our neighbors, and ran in last year's race. This year, they were a major sponsor of the race.

The race is underway! 

#247 in the above photo is the lady that took Devin's phone the night of the accident and called Dacia to tell her that Devin and Ella were in an accident and that Dacia needed to go to Lexington Medical Center right away.  The calm way that she spoke with Dacia set the tone for that horrible night.  The race was the first time we met her.  

#189 in the above photo is the lady that held Devin's hand and spoke with him at the scene of the accident.  She was on site right after impact and stayed with him over an hour until he was able to be extracted from the car and sent to the hospital.  Surely it was a difficult thing to get involved in such a horrible accident, but she was brave enough to pull Ella from the car and attempt CPR.  Turns out she lives in our neighborhood and became a good friend. 

Chief Amodio introducing the SC State Senator, Jake Knotts.  Our attorneys were kind enough to enlist his involvement.  Also in the above photo is Lieutenant Shumpert, who remained closely involved with our family after the accident as events developed. 

These are the families who live in the two houses next to where the accident occurred.  They called 911 and communicated with safety officials at the scene.  We had not been able to meet them prior to the race and enjoyed hearing what they observed that evening. 

Bishop McHugh and his wife sponsored the race and brought their golf cart to help at the race.  Despite having seven children and running three businesses he stayed at the hospital almost constantly with Dacia and Devin between the accident and the funeral to make sure our needs were met.  Their family's support has been priceless. 

Two of Ella's best friends in South Carolina, Nora and Kenley out for a joy ride.  The race was the day of Kenley's (seated in the golf cart) birthday and she was excited to "run with Ella" on her birthday. 

These tripods were at the turn-around point of the race, which was the scene of the accident. 

Surprisingly, there were no major mishaps (other than forgetting to prepare the winners' certificates).  We are anxiously looking forward to next year's race and thinking about ways to generate more publicity!