Miles for Meals 5K Draws Community Together in First-Year Benefit for Genesis of Thomas County
June 20, 2026
Runners, walkers, families and even one canine took to the streets of Colby on the morning of June 20 for the inaugural Miles for Meals 5K and 1-Mile Race, raising money to support Genesis of Thomas County while enjoying a cool summer morning.
The event began at the Genesis office, located at 350 S. Range Ave., where participants set off shortly after 9 a.m. under cloudy skies and temperatures in the lower 60s. The race course guided participants west toward the Thomas County Fairgrounds before turning north along Riddle Street, then west on 2nd street continuing toward the K-State Experiment Station. Depending on their event, runners turned around at designated points before making their way back to the finish line at the Genesis office.
A total of 33 participants took part in the inaugural fundraiser, representing a wide range of ages and abilities. Young children ran alongside experienced competitors, while several families pushed strollers through the course. One participant even completed the route with a dog by their side, adding to the relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.
The event served as a fundraiser for Genesis of Thomas County, with entry fees set at $20 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile race. Sponsors included Thomas County Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Financial Services agent Andrew Flanagin, Hoover Lumber and the Kansas State Extension Office, whose support helped make the event possible.
The 5K race featured a competitive field, with Nicolas Hoover crossing the finish line first in 20 minutes, 16 seconds for the men, followed by Hunter Hayes (25:43) for silver, then Drew White (27:56) for bronze. Helen Giefer finished first for the women in 22:03, followed by Skylar Barfield (26:12) for 2nd, then Ana Bermudez (32:41) for third.
In the 1-mile race, Benjamin Chavez narrowly edged Katie Chavez by one second, finishing in 8:33 to claim first place. Rawlins Mattix placed third in 9:18.
While the race offered plenty of friendly competition, the focus remained on supporting a local cause and bringing the community together. Participants lingered after crossing the finish line, visiting with one another and celebrating the successful conclusion of the morning's event.
Organizers considered the inaugural race a success and indicated Miles for Meals will return next year. With strong community support in its first outing, the event demonstrated how a simple race can bring people together to promote healthy activity while helping provide resources for neighbors in need.