Participants of all ages weathered the cold and rain on April 12 to support Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield. Development Director Kim Hoffmann said the event, called the Blessed Sacrament Unity Run, will be held again next spring, and noted she is hoping for better weather in 2009.

The cold and wet weather on April 12 did nothing to dampen the spirits of the approximately 100 people who gathered to support Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield.

Both current students and graduates either walked or ran in the first-ever Blessed Sacrament Unity Run to benefit the school, which first opened its doors in August 1925, said Kim Hoffmann, who is director of development for the school.

Participants of all ages raced through three 1.1 mile laps around the familiar brick-paved streets on Glenwood Avenue and Walnut Street. Some of the area residents sat in their yards waving to and calling out their support for the walkers and runners, said Hoffmann. She added that the first grade had the most participants of those who are currently attending the school.

The honorary race starter was Marty Mosley. "Mrs. Mosley taught at Blessed Sacrament for 30-something odd years and had children who attended the school," said Hoffmann, who chaired the event along with Blessed Sacrament faculty members Karen Senger and Janice Davis.  

Supporters pledged $20 each to enter the race, with the entry fee including a T-shirt and refreshments. "We had hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks for those who wanted to eat after the race," Hoffmann said. She had prizes for the family with the most members participating, the participant who came from the farthest distance away, the earliest Blessed Sacrament graduate to take part in the race, and several other categories.

Proceeds from the Unity Run benefited the Blessed Sacrament School Support Fund. "We made about $2,500 after we purchased the T-shirts and the food," Hoffmann said. "We definitely are going to hold the event again next year, but we haven't yet decided on a weekend. Everyone who participated had a good time. It really was a lot of fun, even though the weather was so miserable."