The first Saturday in August I was privileged to get to spend an entire day with a group of 60+ dedicated runners from my hometown (and county). I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into! It was a very long, hot day, but I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it. In the end, my hometown of 2300+ people raised $110,000 for St. Jude Children's hospital. Amazing. Here's my view of the day. After running through Mason City, we ended up on the east side of town at the cemetery where balloons were released in remembrance of Jessie, who was the team's captain and passed away in November of 2010. Here the team presents their check to St. Jude live on the telethon. The whole team just prior to the run. There's my little brother Nate crossing the bridge into Peoria! The team enters the Civic Center.