The Peru Gazette

L-R Hadley, Alicia, Brady and Derek Martisus

By John T. Ryan 

August 29, 2020, Peru, NY – The 2020 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many events, but it didn’t stop the 30th Annual Run For Jon today at Forrence’s Mannix Road Orchard.   Yes, the event was held differently, but people came from near and far to participate.  It was conducted in-person and virtually. Virtual participants sent in their race results and a photo over a period of days and seventy-five runners took off in six waves today.  In a typical year, 200 to 300 people take-part. 

The Run is a family event. Saranac natives Matt Medeiros and his sister Emily have never missed the Run For Jon. Matt was six, and Emily was two when they started. AuSable Vally Central graduate (1992) Derek Martisus competed against Jon Evans in high school track. He left the region for college and work but he and his wife Alicia, also an Ausable Valley graduate, have participated for the past several years with their family.  Their son Brandy finished a distant first in today’s first wave of runners. 

The Run For Jon began 30 years ago as a fundraiser to assist Don and Shirley Evans, whose son Jon was battling cancer. Grateful for all the support they received, the Evans family and friends continued the event. Shirley Evans explained, “People did it for us. We want to do it for others. The money we raise is used to assist families with children with serious illnesses. It’s not for medical expenses. It’s for extra costs such as meals, travel, or lodging. There are only so many battles you can fight. A little extra money can make things a little easier.” 

The Run has thrived over the past thirty years contributing over $100,000 to families in need. There’s no big organization. People just call Shirley or Don Evans when they know of someone who needs help. 

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Click here for race results.