PHOTOS: The Cedar Rapids Fire Department hosted the 25th Annual Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Saturday at Prairie Hill Elementary. The race, held annually over Memorial Day weekend, honors the memory of fallen and ill firefighters across Iowa. First organized in 2001 after the passing of Administrative District Chief Kevin Sterenchuk, the event has grown into a meaningful tradition.
Chief Sterenchuk, an avid runner, died in 1999 of sudden cardiac death while on duty. The race was later expanded to also honor Firefighter Joe Brackel, who died of lung cancer at age 24. Last yearโs event drew over 500 participants, raising funds to support firefighters and their families in times of illness or loss. The day included a 5K run/walk, a wheelchair race, the Firefighter 5K Challenge, and a kidsโ fun run.
