The second annual Hudson Wade 5K run/walk will be hosted by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to raise money for the Play for Rex foundation Saturday. The 5K is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Hardin Administration building and follow the Lunsford Trail around the ACU campus.
The run/walk honors the memory of 11-year-old Hudson Wade who passed away this past February after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015. Hudson’s parents, Kirk and Laura Wade are ACU alumni with strong ties to the community. Kirk is the president of Abilene Christian Schools while Laura is an instructor for ACU’s School of Nursing.
“This is one of my favorite events that I get to do all year,” SAAC President and senior golfer Kyle Karnei said. “I get to hear how Hudson and the Wade family has touched so many lives and see how the Wade’s molded faith over fear during such a difficult time. This event is more than just a 5K, it is an opportunity to let Hudson’s joyful personality and resilient spirit to live on forever.”
The participants in the 5K will be raising money in Hudson’s name to be donated to the Play for Rex foundation, a local organization that helps families affected by pediatric cancer. The organization was started by Lance Fleming, ACU’s Associate Director of Athletics for Media Relations, and his wife Jill who lost their son, Rex, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Now their work with P4X gives pediatric patients at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene and Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth with Apple iPod Touches and iTunes gift cards in order to provide them with a way to listen to music, play games, or text their family and friends during their long stays and treatments.
“We’re blessed to be able to make an impact with such a great foundation like the P4X foundation as well as keeping the memory and legacy that Hudson left behind,” Karnei said. “We get to honor and bless some of the best families in this community.”
As of now, Karnei said 120 runners are expected to run with the opportunity for more to register for the event.
Everyone is encouraged to register to participate in the run/walk, and registration and further information can be found online at www.youraze.com/hudsonwade5k. Registration cost is $20 and includes participation in the race and a long-sleeve t-shirt. Shirts can also be purchased for $17 for those who cannot participate. Check-in for the 5K begins at 8 a.m. on November 19th outside of the Hardin Administration Building where the race starts.
