Big Brother Big Sister Harvest Hustle

Early this morning many texomans laced up their athletic shoes and headed to a Wichita Falls park to support a good cause.

And that cause had folks literally hustling for a local non-profit organization.

3.1 miles, that's how far folks pounded the pavement at the 2nd annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Harvest Hustle 5-k and Fun Run.

And each step they took helped provide positive role models for Wichita County children.

Signing in, and filling out paperwork work before the festivities begin.

People crowded Hamilton Park eagerly awaiting a 5k run benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita Falls.

We try to match caring adults with children who are in need of a of a mentor," said Kem Hogue, the regional Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita Falls.

And in Wichita County many children are.

Organization officials say about 150 kids are currently on a waiting list to find their big brother or sister.

And the Harvest Hustle run was their way to get the needed funds for the matching process.

Karilea Collins and her 10 year old little sister, Elena Trejo-Smith, were paired together three years ago though that very process.

"We've become such good friends and I don't see that changing at all," Karilea Collins said.

And together they played an active role in the day's event.

Before getting to their marks, racers gathered for some group stretching.

And after touching their toes along with a few other stretches, they were all loose and ready to race.

Then runners quickly crossed the finish line.

Knowing that the day wasn't so much about the race, but about the lives being changed one sister and brother at a time.

A common misconception about the Big Brother Big Sisters program is that you have to have a lot of free time.

But Program officials say you only need to dedicate four hours per month, and for a program that rewards you so much it doesn't seem like a whole lot.