Go Eddie 5k ready to share blessings with others

In the movie “Field of Dreams,” one of the commands Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella hears from a heavenly voice is “Go the distance.”

That bit of advice could well sum up what the coordinators of the annual Go Eddie 5k have committed to in aiding their childhood friend.

Four of Eddie Miller’s childhood classmates spearhead the fundraiser event, and just like Eddie has done in his recovery efforts, they have gone the distance in making sure their friend has every opportunity to recover from a debilitating accident. Going the distance also now includes adding two more recipients to the list.

The annual Go Eddie 5k fundraiser will take place May 21 from 4-9 p.m. at the Mt. Hope Event Center. Entering its eighth year, the event continues to evolve as it grows. The event began almost a decade ago as a small fundraiser for Miller, who continues to recover from a near-death experience.

Miller was involved in an auto accident in 2011. The accident almost took his life, but he proved to be a fighter, working hard to overcome his accident, regardless of the effort it took. With the support of his family and friends, he has made huge strides.

“His positive attitude has been a huge factor with his progress,” said Leroy Miller, Eddie’s father, who said his son is encouraging to everyone he sees, serving as an inspiration for others who face challenges and setbacks.

In 2015 Miller’s former schoolmates started the Go Eddie 5k in his name. The goal was to alleviate the medical expenses he and his family face, and since then the Go Eddie Foundation has grown to support more people who face similar challenges.

In addition to Miller, there will be two other recipients who will benefit from this year’s race.

Caleb Yoder, age 21 of Berlin, was paralyzed from his waist down in a 2015 accident. Yoder has been working with physical therapists to improve his motion and gain independence. He will receive a portion of the funds raised in 2022 and is planning to put them toward the purchase of a handicap golf cart.

Jonathan Miller was paralyzed from the shoulders down after a car accident in 2020. Proceeds from this year’s Go Eddie 5k will help him further his treatment and update his equipment. Improved equipment will allow him to have more mobility and independence. He lives in Holmesville and is 19 years old.

“This is the first year the Go Eddie Foundation has been able to help additional recipients, which has always been our goal,” event co-coordinator Lavern Hershberger said.

As always, the Go Eddie 5k will be much more than a fun run. The 1-mile kids race will kick off the festivities at 4 p.m. while the Go Eddie 5k run/walk will take place at 4:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 4 p.m., with the annual chipotle stack benefit dinner for the Go Eddie Foundation being the featured meal.

The Go Eddie 5k is professionally timed by Vertical Runner. Divisions featured during the run include ages 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-plus. The grand prize for the overall men’s and women’s winners will be $500 cash with first place in each division winning a $50 gift card, good at any of the Mt. Hope Merchants stores.

The entry fee to participate in the race is $40 for adults and $25 for the kids race.

As always, the Go Eddie committee has come up with an addition to the show, something they enjoy doing to keep the event new and fresh each year.

This year’s feature performance will be Ryan and Friends, with Ryan Bomgardner bringing his group of puppets to the stage at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly show is free to attend, like everything else other than the races. There also will be a Q-and-A at 5:15 p.m. with Arlen Glick, 2022 USATF 100-mile national champion and 2021 #3 Ultra Runner of the Year, with LeRoy Miller sharing Eddie’s story following.

“He’s such a fantastic performer, someone the whole family will enjoy,” Hershberger said of Bomgardner. “He has a wonderful way of engaging with the crowd and making them a part of his show. He’s a whole lot of fun.”

There also will be a benefit raffle that evening, with tickets being available for purchase throughout the day featuring many items up for grabs. Raffle tickets are $10 each or six for $50.

Admission to the event is free to the public. Anyone with questions or those wishing to purchase raffle tickets may do so by calling 330-473-7112.