KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Despite the fact the Chiefs didn’t make the Super Bowl this year, hundreds of people went out to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday to participate in a 5k for a good cause.
The temperature was only 12 degrees at race time for the inaugural Kickoff 5k, a benefit for First Downs for Down Syndrome.
“No it wasn’t warm at all I mean I couldn’t breathe the first half a mile but after that I was alright once I got going,” said runner Andre Cirttendon.
The stories of runners like Vivian Best helped to warm hearts on a very chilly day.
“I ran in honor of my cousin Addison Bulock,” said Best. “She is a happy little girl that just loves to dance. I always try to instill in my kids and other people that I know they’re normal people, they live a normal life just like us.”
The national Down syndrome society says Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with the condition.
“I do have compassion for people that are going through it, cause you know it takes a whole village to raise a child, it takes a whole village to pray for a child so I definitely support the cause,” said runner Shawn Kirkwood.
Money raised at the race will help raise awareness for the condition and will benefit Down syndrome organizations in the metro. First Downs for Down Syndrome says it provides funding for research taking place at Children’s Mercy. Down syndrome affects more than 350 thousand people in the United States.
