1st 5K Run Benefits Bloomingdale Library Assault Survivor

There were originally 175 runners registerd for Saturday's 5K at Riverview High School.

The race, organized by River of Life Christian Center to benefit the was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. But by 7:30, there were still more runners showing up to register. By race time, the total head count was close to 250.

"This is much bigger than we expected," race coordinator Misi Cosby said.

Prior to the start of the 5K, the Rev. Cecilia Honaker, River of Life Christian Center senior pastor, expressed thanks for the outpouring of support from the runners and local community. This was followed by a prayer by the Rev. Johhny Honaker, her husband.

"We were very touched by what this family went through," Honaker said. "We launched the race because we didn't want her to feel forgotten. We wanted to support the community and beyond the wall of the church. People knew the story and wanted to be a part of it. All the proceeds will go to her care," she said.

The survivor of the April 2008 attack suffered injuries so severe she wasn't expected to live. But today, the woman — whose name has been withheld by the media to protect her identity as a rape victim — . She and her family were on hand to witness Saturday's race, which raised more than $4,000, Honaker said.

One of the runners, Erin Vaughn, of Brandon, learned about this charity event through her friend at River of Life Christian Center and said she wanted to show support.

Medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each of the below age groups: 9 & under; 10-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65 and over. The race results are posted on the Cool Running website.