Nearly $13,000 was raised during the Hero Run, a 5K fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri held Saturday.

Hero Run participants begin the race.

“We’re so thankful for all of our sponsors and everyone who turned out to race,” said Communications Director Emily Jarrett. “It’s always inspiring to see so many people run and walk for a great cause.”

Previously the Boys & Girls Club annual 5K was a “Glow Run” held in the evening, but this year’s event focused on heroes, encouraging supporters to run as their favorite hero, run in honor of a hero and run to be a hero for local children.

Held on the campus of State Fair Community College, the Hero Run also featured multiple local “heroes” including the Pettis County Ambulance District, Sedalia Police Department, Sedalia Fire Department, Missouri National Guard, the DARE car and Pettis County Sheriff’s Office.

“Sedalia and our surrounding communities have always been great supporters of the Boys & Girls Club and the more than 2,000 children we serve each year,” Jarrett said. “We’d like to thank everyone who raced, volunteered, sponsored and even cheered on our runners – it was a great event.”

Race times and photos of the event can be found on the Boys & Girls Club website, bgckids.com.