By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — The first-ever ZB Live Well Veterans 5K attracted nearly 60 runners and generated $10,000 that will go to the new Magical Meadows Warrior Arena designed for veterans and first responders.
Runners met at the Winona Lake Park and ran through the adjacent Winona Lake Trails Saturday morning.
Zimmer Biomet’s Veteran Resource Group held a similar event last year, but this year expanded it to include Live Well Kosciusko, with money going to benefit Magical Meadows.
Live Well Kosciuszko’s Peyton Oldham said Zimmer Biomet reached out in January about working together.
They were unsure how many would turn out but were pleasantly surprised.
“This is our first time ever doing an event like this. Last year, there was one similar to it, exclusive to Zimmer Biomet employees — so this is the first time going public with it, and it definitely jumped quite a bit, which is awesome,” Oldham said.
Magical Meadows Executive Director Michael Kuhn said they were excited for Magical Meadows as a recipient.
“Zimmer Biomet has been a big supporter of Magical Meadows, especially the last few years, and we love being able to partner with organizations like Live Well Kosciusko as well to just continue to make an impact in our community,” Kuhn said.
The $10,000 represents proceeds from the event and support from Zimmer Biomet, Oldham said.
The riding arena is part of a major expansion that came to fruition this summer with two major construction projects.
The 5K winner on Saturday was 24-year-old Megan Metzger.
“It’s for remembering the veterans, and I just really love running and getting outside and being with our community,” Metzger said.
