The crowd was as bright as the new dawn on the 15th Annual Kansas City Temple Run in Liberty, MO. With well over 500 registered and many more that came to enjoy the annual event, a large crowd lined N. Ewing Avenue southeast of the Kansas City Temple in preparation for the 5K race. The bright morning light shown on the temple and on the runners as they prepared to get exercise and visit with friends and family.
“I like seeing how everybody is here and it doesn’t really matter if you run or walk,” said Delila Mullenaux, 15, from the Crooked River Ward. She has participated in the Temple run 5 times so far. “It’s fun because everyone is cheering each other on. I love how you can see the temple throughout the entire race because you are running toward it most of the time. That’s what we should be doing spiritually as well.”
The main event is the 5 kilometer run, but the Kids Dash started off the festivities with children under 12 sprinting about 75 yards within age groups. Once all the kids were finished, men, women and children enjoyed the 3.1 mile long route at whatever pace was best for them.
“I like how it gets families out,” said Jacob Pack from the Kearney Ward. This was his 4th time running. “The kids get excited about it. There is a feeling of unity here. There is just a lot of excitement. Seeing the temple in the background gives you a feeling of peace.”
While special medals were handed out to the top three finishers in each age bracket, most were smiling and enjoying the comradery and exercise in the shadows of the temple. The event has additional benefits beyond the cardio. Participants and members donated more than $2,000 to the Special Olympics Missouri, this year’s local charity. The event has donated to local charities since 2019.
“It’s unity,” said President Scott Murray, First Counselor in the Far West Stake Presidency. This was his second time running. “It’s sisterhood. It’s brotherhood. It’s a community, with members and non-members alike. There are a lot of good, positive feelings. There are lots of hugs. It’s the place to be on Labor Day!”
