More than 300 participate in Gardnerville Freedom 5K

Douglas County’s Fourth of July celebrations began Tuesday with more than 300 runners at Main Street Gardnerville’s Freedom 5k Run.

Main Street Gardnerville Director Jen Nalder said there were 297 adults and several kids registered for the Wreaths Across America fundraiser.

“This was our biggest turnout,” said Nalder. “This event means a lot and people from all over come of all ages too. It’s just so fun and to be able to honor the veterans that are laid to rest is humbling and prideful as a community.”

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide event where remembrance wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans. This year’s event takes place Dec. 16 at the Garden Cemetery. Visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/159665/ for more information and to sponsor a wreath.

Reno-Sparks resident Ramona Sanchez crossed the finished line first with a time of 18.32 minutes. Gardnerville resident and two-time winner Luis Abandis followed Sanchez with a time of 19.23 minutes and 14-year-old Cayden Mosby finished third with a time of 19.24.

“This is an amazing cause and I love being a part of it,” said Abandis.

Abandis is a veteran and has been running a total of 1,281 days as of Tuesday.

Gardnerville wrapped up the event with a best patriotic dressed contest, where children and adults showed off their red, white and blue attire. Eight year old Kinley Holdridge and Jason and Tanya Hatfield took home the prizes for their American spirit outfits.

“I knew I wasn’t going to win the race so I shot for the costume contest,” said Jason Hatfield. “The event was a lot of fun, a great way to start the day.”