WALDO, Mo. – No bags. No backpacks. But lots of police officers were around. However, the tighter security measures didn’t stop 10,000 runners from enjoying the 25th annual Trolley Run in Waldo Sunday morning.
As buses and trolleys hauled rummers to the starting line, most were unaware of the security sweeps that police completed before dawn.
“Police had been out all morning,” Megan Paone, co-chairperson of the race told FOX 4 News. “Bomb sniffing dogs have been checking bags in case anything looks suspicous.”
All of the runners were asked to leave backpacks and bags behind. Amidst a sea of strollers, even diaper bags were missing.
“We condensed our diaper bag down and put it in a ziplock bag,so he could throw it in the stroller and if somebody sees it they could see exactly what they have,” explained Race co-chairperson Katie Hall.
Security was quickly amped up after the Boston bombings, but even the youngest racers were happy to comply.
“I don’t really feel any fear,” said Jack Embry, one of the runners.
“It was a horrible tragedy, but you can’t go through life expecting that to happen and prevent you from being in a race or participating,” said Amy Embry, another of the runners.
Angela Boots t-shirt said it all.
“It’s a great charity and cause. And there is no greater feeling then running for a cause,” she said.
The cause is the Childrens Center for the Visually Impaired. Last year, they helped 350 local kids with severe vision problems live a better life. That’s why Serenity Underhill was walking with her whole team in tow.
“The school really changed our lives, said Jamie Underhill, whose daughter attended the center. “I know that its happened for a lot of the families that go to CCVI.”
In their own way, many are remembering the victims in Boston.
“In the back of my mind, I’m trying to support the city of Boston and the Unite States of America,” said Bryan Joy, another race participant.
Being at the race was a statement to terrorists and the tighter security measures they bring. They will never stop a race for a good cause.