More than 275 people, including faculty, students, staff, family, friends and members of the Abilene community, participated in the Hudson Wade 5k hosted by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, SAAC, Saturday, Nov. 19.

“There are so many people here, that we are running out of shirts,” said Kyle Karnei, SAAC president.

Karnei, senior Accounting and Finance major from Waco, said the goal was to raise $5000 a few days before the event about 150 people registered and raised $4400. By the end of the event Karnei said there were over 275 people in attendance raising more than $5700.

This was the second annual 5k SAAC hosted in honor of Hudson Wade, a student at Abilene Christian Schools who died of leukemia in February, and all money will be donated to the Play for Rex foundation.  Karnei said the goal is to affect the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families in a positive way, and be a beacon of hope to people in our community.

In attendance was Kelly Moore, a chairmen of the Play for Rex Foundation.

“I am very appreciative of the people and the support the foundation is receiving.” Moore said.

Many students came out to show their support as well as social clubs. The men of Trojans, Gamma Sigma Phi and the Women of Sigma Theta Chi all helped sponsor the race and many of their club members were in attendance. Also in attendance were student athletes including Adrian Duncan, a senior Kinesiology major from Austin, and Sam Denmark, a junior Engineering major from Las Cruces, New Mexico.

“It’s nice to be able to come out here and show our support for the Wade family as well as the other families battling with pediatric cancer.” Duncan said.

“It’s a nice feeling to come out and celebrate his legacy with so many that know him.” Denmark said. “Last year we signed a football for Hudson.”