Press Release: Overcoming Adversity at the 231 River Run

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 10/24/2018 04:15 PM EDT

October 24, 2018

Media Contacts Below

Overcoming Adversity at the 231 River Run

If you ask most runners, they will tell you their journey; their running story; their why. And for some runners, the route of that journey changes along the way.

Seth and Alicia Reenders of Grand Haven are avid runners and 231 River Run veterans who found themselves on an uncharted path in May of 2018. Seth, 37, was diagnosed with a rare type of brain cancer after having brain surgery earlier that month. The summer was a whirlwind of chemotherapy, radiation and agonizing size effects.

Overcoming the adversity, Seth, alongside Alicia and their three kids Emma (7), Grace (5) and Arend (1), will be participating in Ottawa County's 231 River Run on Saturday morning—one of their favorite races. They will be surrounded by family, friends and co-workers in “Fight for Seth” Shirts, a reference to the Bible verse Exodus 14:14.

“The amazing support of church, family, friends, and even complete strangers has been amazing! Our faith has remained strong, and continues to grow,” said Alicia Reenders when asked to share their story. You can read more about Seth’s cancer journey at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tumortalk. If you would like to donate towards the Reenders family cancer costs please visit their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/reenders-family-cancer-costs

Seth Reenders is an engineer at JR Automation, a 231 River Run bronze sponsor along with silver sponsors Fairlife, Gentex, Enterprise and AcenTek. The 231 River run is held to raise funding and awareness for the Idema Explorers Trail and the Spoonville Trails. Registration for the run is closed but spectators and supporters are welcome. Runners start at 8:30 AM at Connor Bayou in Grand Haven. They’ll trek Idema Explorers Trail, 231 Henry Plant Pedestrian Bridge and the Spoonville Trail during the 4 mile and 10K events. If you are interested in running or getting involved with the 2019 231 River Run email Shannon Felgner at sfelgner@miottawa.org.

The purposes of the 231 River Run are to raise funds for and promote Ottawa County paved trails; advocate for wellness; build community; and showcase West Michigan as a healthy, active, growing and thriving region.

Seth, Alicia and their three kids Emma (7), Grace (5) and Arend (1).

Media Contacts:

Shannon Felgner, Race Director, sfelgner@miOttawa.org
616-738-4672, 616-610-4401

Alicia Reenders, alicia.reenders@yahoo.com
616-566-6683

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan’s spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you’ll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan.

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