Hilbert College freshman organizes 5K to benefit Kaely's Kindness

Hilbert College freshman Logan Yotter of Lockport is organizing a 5K race on Nov. 19. The event will benefit Kaely's Kindness Foundation, which is focused on providing resources for teens living with cancer.

The Kaely's Kindness 5K route through downtown Buffalo will take runners past the HarborCenter and around Canalside, while starting and finishing near the intersection of Michigan and South Park Avenue (near the Swannie House).

Yotter, a criminal justice major at Hilbert, decided to organize this race as part of a service-learning project for biology 110 - "Science in Society: Modern Topics in Biology," taught by Dr. Meredith Ezak. Although he's never organized a 5K, or any event of this magnitude, as a member of Hilbert's cross country team Yotter was inspired to combine his love of running with service to his community.

"Logan has done a truly remarkable job, above and beyond any service project I have seen," said Ezak, assistant professor of biological sciences. "It is sure to be a great event."

Yotter got some advice from other 5K race directors and hit the ground running, from organizing professional timing and finish line services, to organizing the post-race celebration, and working with Buffalo Police to secure the race route. Yotter said he hopes to raise $3,000 for Kaely's Kindness.

For more information or to register for the race, visit http://kaelyskindness5k.itsyourrace.com/.

Online registration will remain open right up until the start of the race. Race day registration and packet pickup will take place inside the Swannie House Restaurant from 9 a.m. until the start of the race at 11 a.m. There is a $25 registration fee.

A post-race celebration will follow at the Swannie House Restaurant, and will include food, snacks, refreshments, music and an awards ceremony. Trophies will be presented to the first-place overall male and female finishers, and awards will be presented to the top three male and female 5K runners in each of the following age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older.

The Swannie House Restaurant is located at 170 Ohio St. There is free street parking near the start/finish line area.

For additional information on the race, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Yotter at 716-444-5339.