A growing tradition at The Great Candy Run is its Gumdrop Kids Fun Run presented by In Motion Physical Therapy and the post-race expo and family festival. With games and refreshments, entertainment, a costume contest, and an on-site visit to Sweet Pete’s Candy Shoppe, participants and spectators will leave with lasting memories.
However, some families have memories of when they were not sure their children would ever be born. Those families — of angels and survivors of intrauterine fetal syndromes like TTTS, Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO), and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) — are why this event began in the first place. One family, better known as “Team Trey,” participates each year to celebrate the life of their son.
“The race means being able to celebrate Trey’s life, remember the time we had with him and honor our son’s memory along with the support of family and friends,” said Trey’s mom, Christina Turner. “It also gives us the opportunity to connect with other families and share our stories.”
The Gumdrop Kids Fun Run hosts around 100 local children ages 10 and under. Participation is free and each child receives a medal upon crossing the finish line.