The Clarkston Wolves Boys Cross Country are normally primed for competition against rival Lake Orion.
But there was no rivalry Nov. 17 as they raced with them in a fundraiser to benefit the Schrauger family.
Lake Orion students Josh and brother Tim Schrauger were killed in a car accident on Sept. 29. Josh was active in Lake Orion’s cross country program.
To help support their family, the captains of both Lake Orion boys’ and girls’ cross country teams organized the Schrauger Memorial Run.
The adventurous 5K race featured giant mounds of hay as well as other challenging obstacles.
Runners and walkers of all ages participated from surrounding communities. One member of the Army Reserves, on leave from duty in Iraq, ran in full fatigues including backpack gear with a time of 22 minutes.
About 197 participants had registered in advance, but more than 500 showed up. More than $6,463 was raised to benefit the family.
Running Gear of Waterford donated the numbers and equipment, Hanson’s donated awards for top finishers, and many other area businesses made contributions of cash or equipment to fund the race.
The Schrauger family was on hand for the event and thanked participants and sponsors for their support.
‘They crossed the finish line of life before the rest of us,” Vicki Schrauger, the boys’ mother, told the crowd.
BY KELLY IRWIN
Special to The Clarkston News