About 220 participants, of all ages and abilities, overlooked the chilly morning air to traverse the 3.1 mile course that runs through the serene Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities / Deepwood campus in Mentor.  This is a timed race and an early season opportunity for serious runners, as well as a family-friendly event or a fun way for friends to support their community. 

There was quite a unique finish this year as father and son duo, Josh and Isaac Brogner, were first and second place overall.  The pair crossed the finish line at 18:11 and 18:34 respectively, beating last year’s first place winner Ben Browngardt who came in third overall at 19:46 (beating his time from 2024). 

This was the second year that Josh and his son Isaac participated in the 5K, and they shared that they plan to participate next year. 

“We run together almost every day,” said Josh Brogner.  “It’s a great way to spend quality time with each other, especially when it supports a good cause.” 

When Isaac reached the finish line, he surprised the crowd by leaping two feet in the air! 

“It was cool doing this with my dad and seeing so many kids close to my age in the race,” Isaac said. 

Big Foot markers were placed throughout the route and Big Foot was available to pose for pictures and helped warm up the runners alongside the many volunteers who helped make the day a success. 

Event organizers have seen much success with the added elements of fun in recent years. Participants keep an eye out for Big Foot cutouts as they run and contest prizes are given out. Each participant received an original Big Footer design t-shirt, a wooden medal with the infamous Big Foot image, and a pancake breakfast 

“We are fortunate that we can host the Big Footer 5K on the Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood’s campus,” said Chris Bundy, Special Olympics Lake County coordinator.  “We operate under the direction of Special Olympics Ohio, a nonprofit corporation, and funding for Lake County is through local private and corporate donations and fundraisers. This race is a big part of our operating budget.” 

Brogner shared that his family also volunteers at Ashley’s Moon Shadow Support Services and their local church. 

“It’s important to support others and do things to help make their lives better,” added Brogner. 

Bundy added that event sponsors and community members such as Brogner and his son are what makes a good community even stronger. 

The mission of Special Olympics Ohio is to provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. If you’d like to learn more about Lake County Special Olympics, please visit https://lakebdd.org/special-olympics-lake-county/ or call (440) 350-5119.  More information about this and other local races can be found on www.greaterclevelandxc.com. 

The Special Olympics Lake County program is part of an array of recreational services available for individuals who have developmental disabilities in our community.  You can learn more about the County Board’s programs and services at www.lakebdd.org/ or connect with them on social media @DeepwoodLakeDD.