10th annual Fresh 15 race kicks off in Tyler

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Runners from as far as Africa and Louisiana woke up early to race to the finish line for the 10th annual Fresh 15 race.

The race included over 4,000 runners and began in front of the Fresh by Brookshire’s on Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler.

All the races, including the 15k, 5k, and the kids’ race, were sold out.

“100 percent of race revenue is donated to local non-profit organizations, with more than $1.3 million raised in nine years,” said Morgan Jones, senior manager of communications and community.

All of the proceeds made from the race will go towards selected organizations, such as the Tyler Type 1 Diabetes Foundation, Tyler Police Department, Tyler Fire Department and Nursing Home Breckenridge Village.

Besides the actual races, the event attracted a supportive crowd of spectators and featured a post-race party.

“There’s thousands of runners. We couldn’t believe it, but we are really excited to come cheer everyone on. They are doing something fun, but they are giving back to an organization, which is great,” said Sarah Wilson, executive director of Tyler Type 1 Diabetes Foundation.

This is the second year they have been a beneficiary of the race.

“I just want to say thank you to Brookshire’s and Fresh and all the people who came out to run because this is going to help us to continue to serve the local Type 1 community,” said Wilson.

Diana Owens is a registered nurse from Benton, Louisiana, who drove two hours to participate in the race.

“I started running about nine years ago and just kind of got hooked,” said Owens.

Owens said she usually runs 15k races, until she was diagnosed with cancer nine months ago.

“All through the glory of God, I get to be here this morning. I just told my husband I just needed a sense of normalcy, so I ran the 5k and it was just amazing,” said Owens.

“I’m just so grateful to be able to. The crowd support and all the people are just beautiful. It’s so nice to be with so many people that enjoyed this event,” Owens said.

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