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‘Kubasiak Strong:’ Lacing up for a cause

Posted at 11:37 PM, Feb 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-29 23:37:44-05

MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich.-- The Mona Shores Cross Country team held a 5K run Monday night in support of the Kubasiak family, who lost two children in a car crash earlier in February. Runners from across West Michigan headed to Mona Shores High School for the cause.

The event was organized by Bob Jazwinski, who tells FOX 17 the idea came to him because he lost his home to a tornado. The West Michigan community helped him out in his time of need, and he feels it's his time to give back.

"The Kubasiak family is in desperate need of some help, and there’s no better way than to just, you know, pay it forward," Jazwinski said.

Jazwinski says his goal for the 5K was 250 participants. By the end of the night, he stopped counting after upwards of 700 people showed up.

"We were waiting to get 250 runners and call it a good race," he said. "Then it went to 500 runners. Then it went to 690 runners up until last night."

Athletes from Ravenna, Spring Lake, Reeths-Puffer, and Kent City schools all ran to support the Kubasiaks during this difficult time.

"I was just taken away when I got here, to be blessed that there’s that many people supporting this family," said Chase Eslick, the winner of Monday night's race. "It was a tragic thing that happened to an amazing family, and I just wanted to support in any way that I could."

We're told $10 got participants a t-shirt, glow stick and refreshments. All proceeds are heading straight to the Kubasiaks.