WHEELING, W.Va. — Runners and community members gathered in Wheeling on Sunday for the annual Caleb Smail Memorial 5K and Human Kindness Project fundraiser, continuing a tradition that has grown significantly since it began seven years ago.
The event was held Aug. 16 at Bethlehem Community Park, with proceeds benefiting Youth Services System.
Despite concerns about the weather, dozens of runners took part in the 5K. Organizers said participants traveled from well beyond the Ohio Valley, including from Martinsburg, West Virginia; Akron, Ohio; and even Madrid, Spain.
The fundraiser has grown into more than a road race. Sunday’s event included a cornhole tournament, live music, food trucks, raffles, a silent auction, bounce houses and face painting.
Organizers said the event was established just months after Caleb Smail’s death and has continued to expand with support from local businesses, vendors, donors, volunteers and community members.
Weather nearly forced organizers to cancel this year’s race, but conditions improved in time for runners to participate.
The annual event honors Smail’s memory while supporting the work of Youth Services System, a Wheeling-based organization serving children, young people and families throughout the region.
