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Purple Day 5k for Epilepsy

On Saturday March 24th I had the opportunity to run in the first Annual Purple Day 5k for Epilepsy. This will go down as one of the most heart warming, memorable races I have ever done.



This race was created by some of my most dearest friends, The Green Family: Greg, Angela, Gabe, Marisa, and the inspiration for it all, Natalie. Natalie is 11 years old and was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy when she was 8 months old.

 

I decided that I wanted to race and support this great cause and my friends to help find a cure for Epilepsy. Purple is the color to support Epilepsy so of course, if you know me, you go big or you go home and so I went big and bought me a purple morph suit that covered my entire body, head to toe in purple awesomeness! You should have seen Natalie's face when I showed up decked out in my purple-tastic outfit, priceless!

 

There were 160 runners/walkers at this race and an amazing group called Push to the Finish that pushed 3 kids from the Epilepsy Association of Utah to the finish line of this 5k, it was awesome to witness their smiles!



The Triple Threat Triathletes group that I am part of came all decked out in purple to support the cause! 


The energy was on fire at this race, my face hurt from smiling so much. Also, along the run were some of the most precious motivating pictures that South Jordan Elementary drew to help keep us going, they made tears come to my eyes and they were a great reminder of why we were out there running!


I finished 17th overall & 4th in my age division and my time was 29 minutes. I was so caught up in the magic of the race that those numbers didn't matter, they make me happy, but that is not why I was there.

 


If you would like to read more about this fabulous day please head over to: 
http://purpleday5k.com/
Let's help them reach their goal of 500 participants for next years race!

If you are interested in donating to the cause please visit:
http://www.epilepsyut.org/
They are local and this is where all the Purple Day 5k Proceeds are going.



All the photos I am posting were done by our sweet friend Kelli Bramble.  She was kind enough to let me share them here on my blog. Thanks Kelli for capturing some amazing memories! If you are interested in an excellent photographer please visit http://kellibramblephotography.com/.



Love you Green Family! Love you Natalie!
Thanks for reading, 
Jena


Some other great links you should check out:

http://www.cececares.org/

http://www.dannydid.org/

http://www.cureepilepsy.org/








Comments

  1. Team BeardshallApril 2, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    This is totally awesome and inspiring....Ang and her family are so cute. I am so glad this race was a success. I'd love to run next year so please keep me posted on when and where to sign up. You look totally AMAZING/STELLAR in your purple suit....aside from it being awesome! I am always so amazed by the person that you are and your attitude and personality. I am SO beyond proud to know someone like you and am so happy that you are so close to reaching your goal. Although I am not sure I can afford the pass to the rec center right now...I can't wait to get back out there and get in shape after this baby comes! Keep up the good work and inspiration! You are AWESOME!
    And good luck to Ang and her cute cute family...I love that this race was such a hit! Seriously I'll be there next year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JenaApril 15, 2012 at 9:34 PM

      You are fantastic, I love your comments! Love ya and can't wait to workout with you!

      Delete
  2. LeslieApril 3, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Nice Job Jena! You are amazing Love ya

    ReplyDelete
  3. Humanist momApril 5, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    That hooping pic is one of my favorites of you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ErinApril 14, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    Where did you get a purple bodysut?

    ReplyDelete

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