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Community cheers rose to meet the thumping of footsteps against the steel gray road of Travis Street as runners closed the final stretch of Colorado County Habitat for Humanity’s 30th Anniversary 5K Walk and One Mile Fun Run, Saturday, March 28, in downtown Columbus.
Jonathan Garcia breezed through the finish line as the first male 5k finisher with a final time of 16 minutes and three seconds. Other male finishers and Fun Run walkers crossed and waited with bated breaths to see how friends and competitors lined up. Soon, Gwendalyn Rehak, of Weimar, threw her arms up in celebration as she crossed as the first female 5k finisher with a final time of 24 minutes and 15 seconds. The welcoming party kept growing until all 146 racers finished.
“That’s a pretty amazing number for our first event,” Colorado County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Charmaine Katz said. “…[I feel] humbled and so grateful for what we as a community can do when we get together.”
The Health and Behavioral Wellness Council of Greater Colorado Val ley sponsored the races which were hosted alongside the Wellness Council’s second annual Health and Wellness Fair. Katz said she chose the races for a variety of reasons, including that no other 5Ks are hosted in the area and her medical background.
“As a nurse, it’s one of my passions to get people moving, because I really believe if you don’t move it, you lose it,” Katz said.
The 5K and fun run not only highlighted the chapter’s 30th anniversary but also served as a community-engaged fundraiser for Habitat’s Critical Repairs program. Since the program’s start in June 2023, Habitat has helped 34 primarily senior- led households and invested over $260,000 locally.
“One of the things that Habitat says is, ‘We build community…strength, stability through shelter,’” Katz said. “I think the 5k could be part of that strength for the community.”
Since 1996, the county chapter has also built 31 homes, taken on 27 mortgages and, in 2025, contributed $28,000 in property taxes back to the community. Habitat is currently constructing its 32nd home for the Acevedo Family.
“People are always ready to help,” Katz said.
