Sunny Day 5K to be held in memory of Henry
Trending
LEWISTOWN - For much of his youth, Justin Henry would start his day by proclaiming, "Mom and Dad, it's a sunny day!"
Marv and Mary Henry would just smile and nod, amazed by their son's constant positivity and optimistic outlook on life. As his parents and his community would soon discover, Justin brought that radiance to everything he did - through high school and college athletics at Lewistown Area High School and Division I University of Rhode Island playing football and basketball, and his career as a pharmacist at CVS.
Tragically, Justin died in 2004 at age 27, leaving his family devastated and his community in mourning. His family established the Justin Henry Scholarship Trust, which is sponsoring its 10th annual Sunny Day 5K Run/3K Fun Walk in McVeytown on June 3.
The race is supported by the McVeytown Lions Club and the Juniata Valley Striders running club.
"We are blessed to live in the community that we do," said Jennifer (Henry) Sheaffer, Justin's sister. "We saw the love from it when Justin passed away, and we still see the love during any of our Trust events. People don’t just support us because of Justin’s memory, they do it because they love our community, as much as Justin did.
"The community knows that the scholar-athletes that we support are this community’s future and we want to encourage them to reach for their dreams, and when they do succeed it is because everyone here in Mifflin County believes in them and maybe, just maybe, they will make the choice to return and help make it a better place, like Justin chose to do," she added.
The Sunny Day 5K will be held at 8:30 a.m., beginning with a shotgun start at the square in McVeytown. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration costs $30 on race day, or $25 for advance registration before May 17. Those who pre-register are guaranteed a custom designed Sunny Day 5K t-shirt. There will be a limited supply of t-shirts available on race day. Kids sizes will only be available with pre-registration.
There are race categories for male and female runners from ages 10 and under through age 60-plus. There is a special kids race for children 13 and younger. The pre-registration cost for children is $10 and $15 after May 17.
The 5K is five kilometers, or 3.1 miles, while the 3K Walk is 1.8 miles. It's a wheel-measured race that winds along the majestic Juniata River and concludes behind the McVeytown Fire Co. firehouse on Water Street. Trophies to the top overall male and female finishers, along with awards to the top three runners in each age group and top five male and female walkers at the conclusion of the race.
The inaugural event 10 years drew 183 participants, then it dropped slightly to around 125 the next two years.
"Now we average about 75," Sheaffer said. "We realize that there seem to be more 5Ks taking place the same day as ours, and most of the people who really knew Justin are at an age or point in their lives that they are super busy or aren't able to participate for one reason or another. But those who faithfully attend year in and year out ... we thank you."
While the fundraiser benefits today's athletes, its purpose is bittersweet for the Henry family. "We miss Justin every day, but we are grateful for what we are able to do through his memory," Sheaffer said. "In all the years that we have held the Sunny Day 5K, we have always been blessed with a 'Sunny Day.'
"So, when the sun is shining on us the first Saturday in June each and every year," she added. "We know beyond a shadow of a doubt ... Justin is with us sporting the beautiful smile, in spirit."
For more information, call (717) 348-6178 or (717) 363-6359. Donations can be mailed to the Justin Henry Scholarship Trust, P.O. Box 301, McVeytown, PA 17051.