Runners came out on a cool and sunny Saturday morning for the sixth annual Abi Kattel Memorial Foundation Run for Education on Jan. 18, held every year during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at Okeeheelee Park, winding around the lake and providing the runners and walkers with a view. This year’s race involved runners and walkers. Taking home the overall race win was Brian Michaelson, who finished in 21 minutes, 4 seconds. Karinne Mitchell was the first female to cross the line.
The foundation was founded by the family of the late Abi Kattel. Bijaya and Archana Kattel, Abi’s parents, and numerous volunteers, make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Proceeds from the run go directly to the scholarships and events of the foundation, which also holds “feed the homeless” and blood drives every holiday season. Recent and past scholarship recipients were among participants.
“This being the sixth year we’ve been able to hold this run just really speaks to the popularity and support the run has been able to gather,” Bijaya Kattel said. “We have some runners who are joining us again for the sixth time, and just as many that have come out for the first time and plan to return next year.
The Abi Kattel Memorial Foundation is a charitable nonprofit organization based in Wellington. Founded in 2006, the purpose of the foundation is to draw light to and encourage a student’s pursuit, regardless of financial ability.
“We want to help give children every opportunity to succeed,” Archana Kattel said.
For full race results, more information about the foundation, or to donate, visit www.abikattelfoundation.org.
ABOVE: Abi Kattel Memorial Foundation at the event.
