The first ever Neon Night Run took place at the Fresno Fairgrounds Saturday night. About 2,000 people signed up for the race. Many dressed up ready to party, and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
There were break dancers, incredibly bright colors and plenty of glow sticks to go around at the Neon Night Run. The event drew hundreds of runners to the fairgrounds. A lot of the runners showed up in not very traditional running gear.
Organizer Dale Mateo chose to hold the race at the fairgrounds because the location stays open late and he could start the 5k run in the dark. Every runner pays to sign up and a portion of the proceeds go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It gives some comfort to the families for whom Make-A-Wish might be the only thing they have to get their kids to Disneyland in Florida. We thought it would be a good cause," Mateo said.
For people like Jorene Banda that spirit of giving helped her sister who was awarded a wish through the non-profit.
"She had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma but now she is doing great she is in remission," Banda said.
Organizers say that while there are not any plans to hold a similar event like the Neon Night Run in the Valley anytime soon, their ultimate goal is to throw these runs throughout the country.
