By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE—Fun, music and good old-fashioned physical exertion prevailed over the rain and wind at Sunday’s “Fallen 4 Run.”
The fundraising race had an excellent turnout with more than 500 entrants. All proceeds from the race were distributed to the families of Brandon Neilsen, Jeremy Triche, Jason Triche and Michael Scott Boyington, the St. John the Baptist Parish deputies who were killed or injured in last year’s shooting.
Individual entrants came to support the cause and enjoy a little competition.
“I just came out here to support the cause,” said 54-year-old J.J. Waguespack. “I saw the race in the newspaper, and I do a lot of these races, so I thought this would be a good one to come out to.”
Many employees of the St. John Sheriff’s Office came out in a show of solidarity for their colleagues. Some worked behind the scenes while others ran in one or both races.
“I actually work for St. John’s Sheriff Office, so that means a lot to me,” said Stacey Molette. Molette also brought along her teenage daughter, Sheila. “That was one of my coworkers, four of them were. We’re doing this event in support of the families and survivors. It’s just a memorable thing.”
Other groups had more personal reasons for participating.
“I’m actually running with River Parish Crossfit, which is our local gym, and some local police officers from St. Charles Parish. One of our members actually knew Jeremy Triche and some of the other officers that were killed, and we wanted to do a little benefit with them, so we came out here together as a group,” said Gavin Guidry. “Instead of running it we’re actually going to walk it. We’re going to carry as much weight as possible. We figured they suffered for us, so we’re going to suffer a little while for them. We’re about to be sucking wind.”
The River Parish Crossfit group, which included nine police officers and five veterans, was prepared to bring on the suffering with barbells, kegs, weight vests and elevation masks. In addition to dragging weights, the group also planned to stop at every half mile and do an extra work out to increase the intensity.
The River Parishes Hospital also contributed 12 contestants to the race.
“[We are running] because we actually took care of the officers that were injured in the line of duty,” said Carmen Luke of River Parishes Hospital’s surgery team. “We just thought it was something to give back to them.”
Sheriff Mike Tregre began the 5K race with a short speech and a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem. Participants then spread themselves in a large group across the start line
The “Fallen 4 Race” wasn’t all work with no play — participants earned heaping portions of jambalaya and their choice of water, soda or “adult beverages.”
Race winners received gift cards from restaurants such as Acme Oyster House and retail stores such as Target and Home Depot.
Danielle Tatum was the first female across the finish line during the 5K with a time of 23:55. Sheila Oubre took first place in the one-mile walk/run. Teenage twins Beau and Bryce Robinson placed first in the 5K division with an astonishing 17:33 time. Jared Tregre was the first male across the finish line in the one-mile run/walk.