Close to 400 runners participate in BFTC organized run

— After enduring brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Charlie Henderson set a goal for himself: Raise as much money as possible for children with brain tumors.

“I just wanted to help kids, so after dealing with my treatment, I researched foundations for children with brain tumors,” Henderson said. “So I called up BTFC (Brain Tumor Foundation for Children) and asked if I could set up an event for them. They said yes.”

With the help of Brain Tumor Foundation for Children, Henderson organized the Tumor Trooper 5K (three mile) race in Rome.

The second edition of the race, which took place Saturday at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport, saw almost 370 people participate for the cause.

“Last year we raised $11,000, but just on sponsorship this year we raised $10,000,” Henderson said. “Now we get to add on the money from all the participants too.”

The race was won by Daniel Moses, who crossed the finish line with a time of 17 minutes and 35 seconds.

“I felt decent about (my time). The conditions were a bit tougher than we were hoping for,” Moses said. “We were hoping that the rain would continue, but instead it got humid.”

Moses, like many athletes, was perhaps unjustly critical of his own performance, but he had nothing but praise for the organization to which he contributed.

“Charlie Henderson has been spreading the word around here so that we can raise as much money as possible for the organization,” Moses said.

“For that I said I’d come on out and support a great cause that helps with cancer research. It also helps pay for the kids’ bills, which is something that most organizations don’t really do that often.”

The bulk of the 370 participants finished with times ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, and after an hour, every competitor had finished.

At the finish line Henderson and his organization had free Gatorades, water and snacks, which helped participants know their contribution to the cause was appreciated and commended.

Henderson was pleased with the turnout and expressed his appreciation to the runners.

“It’s positive, it’s real good,” Henderson said. “I try to tell everyone who comes here thank you.”