SPARTANBURG -- Over $4,000 was raised Saturday at the Jeremy Vangsnes 5K Benefit Run on the campus of Spartanburg Methodist College.
The run was held to offset medical costs for Vangsnes, a 2008 Spartanburg Methodist College alumnus and cross country runner who was severely injured in a July 21 automobile accident near Bozeman, Mont. Also injured in the accident were two of his brothers, Dan and Ryan.
Both Dan and Ryan Vangsnes were present at the event Saturday and prior to the race spoke to the over 300 participants and spectators gathered in support, thanking them for their generosity and telling Jeremy’s story, the school said in a press release.
Shane Kyzer (Pelion), a sophomore at SMC and member of the men’s cross country team, finished first in the 5,000-meter run in 17 minutes, six seconds.
After Jeremy's stay in an ICU and later an acute care facility in Montana he recently returned to South Carolina on a medical flight where he continues his recovery.
A cake auction, tree sales and one-mile fun run was also part of Saturday's fundraiser.
A fund has been set up at First Baptist Spartanburg to help cover family expenses for the Vangsnes. All money raised during Saturday’s event will go into that fund.