Ten years ago, Kyle Billington was killed in a single car accident. His mother Debbie Jungmeyer created a memorial 5K run and walk in memory of him.
Billington became an avid runner after high school, and Jungmeyer saw it as the perfect way for her and the community to remember her son.
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Rev Room was packed as friends come out to see the new line of Hess Clothing.
Roughly 200 runners, walkers, family and friends lined up Saturday morning to participate in the last race. This was the last time participants will cross the finish line and receive a medal with Billington's smiling face on the front. The last time Jungmeyer releases balloons before the start of the race to commemorate her son. The last time Jungmeyer's son Devin Jungmeyer will finish the race in memory of his brother.
Debbie says the event has always been sad, but this one was a little more emotional. But, she says she is happy to see all of Billington's friends, who come every year to participate in the race. There are silhouettes statues of Billington mid-run at Binder State Park and a three-year-old park bench at West Edgewood Drive with his named carved on the seat.
All proceeds from the race benefit two scholarships at Jefferson City High School and the school's cross country team. Both varsity and junior varsity boys and girls cross country come out every year to volunteer for the memorial 5K. Some even run in the race.
Martha Fuhrman, Billington's aunt, is one of the many family members who participated every year in the memorial race. She has walked all 10 of the 5Ks.
"It's been a good run, so to speak," Fuhrman said.