The annual Heart of an Angel Fight Against Colon Cancer run was held July 12 on the Coplay portion of the Ironton Rail Trail, adjacent to Saylor Park in the shadows of the historic Saylor Kilns. The day was hot and humid for the one-mile walk and 5-K run.

There was excitement in the air as walkers lined up at the starting line and got the call to begin.

There was greater excitement when the runners lined up for the Pretzel City Sports group precision-timed race. John Schlegel and Paul Brown, of Pretzel City Sports, coordinated the race start and provided some safety tips for the run.

Two runners — Numbers 567 and 566 — were odds-on favorites to win the race. When the timekeepers asked the faster runners to get to the front of the starting line, 566 and 567 lined up in the first row of runners. The runners appeared to be sisters.

Several participants included their canine pets in the run. Gunner and Meghan Houseknecht, of Bath, had their Labrador, named Popeye, with them. He appeared fired up for the event as he watched other runners.

Christen Smith, of Catasauqua, sat calmly on a bench by the IRT with her 1-year-old puppy named Enzo. Enzo happily watched runners warming up. Christen noted Enzo was also ready to run.

Suki Anderson is the owner of Beyond Fitness Nutrition, 420 Chestnut St., Emmaus. She offered healthy energy drinks and shakes. Call 347-460-4503 or search Beyond Fitness Nutrition to visit her shop’s juice and smoothie bar.

Awilda Sanchez, CEO of Enjoyable Events of Allentown, offered baked goods and other items. Email enjoyableevents07@gmail.com or call 484-472-2025 to book an event or for more information about Enjoyable Events services.

The Heart of an Angel Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, sponsored the event to raise funds to combat colon cancer. The foundation’s mission statement is listening to and understanding individual needs to create a holistic plan to enhance communication, physical fitness and nutrition, along with breaking technology barriers with a focus on joy, positive mindset, happiness and worthiness.

The foundation founder is Delores Chalmers, whose passion is to raise funds to fight colon cancer after experiencing a personal family tragedy because of colon cancer.

Visit heartofanangel39.org for information about the foundation and perhaps to contribute to their mission.