SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Hundreds of runners are lacing up their shoes to honor the life of Rachel Ortman.
“She was part of a large running group in town called Sioux Falls Women Run. Running was a big part of her life,” Rachel’s husband Derrick Ortman said.
Rachel is the mother of three children. She passed away in February 2022 from pancreatic cancer, but her light-hearted and optimistic personality is still felt my many.
“After she passed away, a couple of the ladies from Sioux Falls Women Run and I chatted about maybe doing something to honor her. We talked about doing like a small 5K. That was where the idea started,” Rachel’s mom Lana Hilgemann said.
Now, the Rachel’s Race non-profit offers monetary gifts for other families who have lost a parent. Money raised from events like Saturday’s go towards that funding. Three families received gifts the morning of the 5K.
“We just want families to know that we see them,” Hilgemann said. “We’re here for them. Every little bit that we can do and just let them know that we’re in their corner because we understand.”
Before the race, Rachel’s husband highlighted two phrases that went in hand with the non-profit’s mission and Rachel’s legacy: #lovebetter and #milestogo.
“If you went through a mile in life, that wasn’t what you expected, whether it was good or whether it was bad, you always had the next one coming. And you can change up your strategy,” Derrick Ortman said. “You can make the next one better. You can work harder. You can do whatever you need to do. And you keep doing that mile after mile until you hit the ultimate finish line.”
Shortly after Rachel passed, her running group installed a bench in her honor. Saturday morning’s 5K course at Family Park passes that bench, leaving many participants feeling touched by her presence.
“A group of us have come every year to remember our amazing friend Rachel, who we grew up with together. It’s a really special day for her,” Diana Huepenbecker said. “It’s more about being together and having fun and celebrating a wonderful life and a beautiful person.”
“It gets to be pretty humbling to see how many people are willing to take time out of their day and come support us, support these families and support the cause,” Derrick Ortman said.
This was the third year for the event. A kids dash and a mile and a half walk were also available for participants.
