Credit could go to the cause, the course or perhaps the exceptionally cooperative weather.
Whatever the reason, the seventh annual KILLIAN5K race through the picturesque surroundings of North Park on the sunny morning of July 27 turned out to be a record-setting occasion, according to members the organizing family, Patrick, Susan and Vivian Cavanaugh of Pine.
“This year marks a significant milestone as our biggest race to date, with participation of around 600 people,” they said, including runners, walkers and those who provided support virtually. “We are thrilled to see the event grow so remarkably and are excited to watch it continue to expand with each passing year.”
Following the unexpected loss of Killian Cavanaugh, their 20-year-old son, Patrick and Susan decided to honor his memory by establishing a scholarship fund for student athletes at his alma mater, Shady Side Academy in Fox Chapel.
The Cavanaughs since have expanded the program to include Pine-Richland High School, from which Vivian, Killian’s sister, graduated.
Each year’s KILLIAN5K serves as the primary fundraiser for the pair of $10,000 scholarships, and supporters can mark July 26 on their calendars for the 2025 event at the same venue, outside the North Park Boathouse in McCandless.
For more information, visit www.killian5k.com.
