Photo Essay: Race for Awareness

Anna Callahan and Elena Lee
April 30, 2019

The Race 4 Linda is an annual dog friendly 5K race with a 1 mile walk which aims to spread awareness for a disease known as Scleroderma. This program was started by Megan Hayman-Rau after the death of her mother, who lost her life to the disease. The money raised from the race is sent directly to the Scleroderma Foundation, Delaware Valley Chapter. Also this year, the race took place in the early morning of April 6th on the Milton Hershey Campus.

Organizer Megan Hayman-Rau talks with a few of the racers before the beginning of the 5K. Hayman-Rau has been organizing this event since 2014 and hopes to continue raising awareness and money for Scleroderma. (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
Debbie Hendrick says on April 6th, “My husband [Carl] is a cancer survivor, so we like to go out and support all the cancer races.” All of the money raised from the booths during the event goes straight to the Scleroderma Foundation to fund Scleroderma research. (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
Hayman-Rau gives a few last minute instructions regarding the 5K race course as the runners take their positions. Hayman-Rau said, “It’s amazing that so many people come out and help spread awareness about this disease” (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
Two walkers begin the one mile walk shortly after the 5k racers take off. Participants were raising awareness for an autoimmune disease called Scleroderma. (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
The racers begin the 5K race around the Milton Hershey Sports Complex. The Race 4 Linda is annually held on the Milton Hershey campus, with many of the racers coming to support Hayman-Rau.(Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
HHS student Aiden Helms comes in first place for the 5K with a time of 19.13.73. Many of the racers from DTSD were familiar with the organizer and come to show their support. (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)
People cluster around the raffle tables as the final call for raffle tickets is announced. All of the raffle prizes were either donated by sponsors or were given by friends of the Hayman family. (Broadcaster/Elena Lee)