Heroes Run draws 800 participants

7/2/2011

More than 800 runners and walkers traversed through downtown Toledo on Saturday for the Heroes Run and Walk to raise funds for Heroes in Action, an armed forces aid group.

The event was rife with patriotic moments amid Toledo’s three-day Red, White, KABOOM activities. About 20 reserve and active Army soldiers ran together as one led the group with an Army flag.

"We couldn’t have been more pleased," said Mark Peddicord, The Blade’s marketing manager and the event’s organizer.

Dawn Heisler, director of Heroes in Action, said the event should be the largest fundraiser they have had so far. The group receives all of its funds from private donations and fundraisers.

Winners received custom-made dog tags.

Mr. Peddicord said that next year he hopes to add a third option to the run and walk that could involve minor obstacles.