Friends, family and supportive strangers came together on a perfect day for Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow Snowflake 5K Saturday in Lehighton.

Hosted by Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow Ministry, the event encouraged everyone to come out for a weekend run in support of families who have suffered the loss of a child. Knowing the hardships of such a tragic experience, Dave and Lora Krum have held the race for the past three years in honor of their two boys who passed away from pediatric cancer.

“It’s to raise awareness about families who have lost children to illnesses or other reasons,” Dave Krum said.

“When both our boys were sick, we received lots of donations and support from people we didn’t even know. We decided to pass it forward, because we had all of these funds and everything that people had donated, and unfortunately, they didn’t get to use it. We started a fund to provide for families who have lost children or have children who are sick. We raise funds and give them support, whether they need it for travel, gas, food or anything else.”

Well over 100 runners and walkers came out to Zion United Church of Christ in the brisk winter weather, many dressed up in colorful holiday outfits. Elves, Santas, Mrs. Clauses and more trekked through the neighborhood streets as snow began to fall.

“I came out to support Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow. This is my third time doing it, and I think the whole organization is amazing. The parents who helped get this whole thing started because of their sons, they’re amazing. We need more people like them,” runner Cindy Rifenburg said.

Pretzel City Sports came out to track times for the 5K runners, who managed some pretty solid marks. Employee Craig Norris said that conditions were surprisingly good for the race.

“It’s actually nice for this time of year,” Norris said. “This is nice running weather for December.”

Once racers crossed the finish line, everyone was welcomed into the church for a hot meal and some relaxation time.

During the downtime, John Farabaugh and Linda Stanley, representing the Institute for Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, presented a check to the Krums for Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow Ministry.

“During the month of October, for cancer awareness we held a fundraiser at our offices in order to support the Rainbow foundation,” Farabaugh said. “We had a Pink Out day on Oct. 30, and we encouraged patients and our staff to all wear pink, and they donated to a blind box.”

Between Farabaugh and Stanley’s offices, they managed to raise over $2,000 in check and cash donations.

“We like to give back to the community. The community supports us. We’re a local business, so being a part of the local community is very important to us,” Stanley said.

The Krums were humbled and grateful to receive the funds, which will go a long way toward helping other families in need.

“We appreciate the support,” Laura Krum said. “People realize this goes directly to the families, that’s what we aim to do. To be able to help them through tough times, because we know, we experienced it ourselves. We want to be able to give back that way. It helps us to help others.”

While some participants pushed themselves to the limit, and others took some time to stroll, the true purpose of the 5K wasn’t lost on anyone in attendance with the timely presence of the winter snow — honoring those children who were lost, and supporting the families of those in need.

“Both our boys loved snow, and this is just awesome,” Dave Krum said as he watched the runners cross the finish line on Iron Street.

“This is the third year we’ve had the race, and this is the first it’s snowed during the race. It’s nice, and I think we’re getting a hand from them from above. They provided the snow for the Snowflake 5K.”

The weekend was capped with an annual candle-lighting service Sunday night to remember children who are gone too soon. The second Sunday in December of each year is designated as “Worldwide Children’s Remembrance Day.”

Since 1997, a Worldwide Candle Lighting, believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, has created a 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone at 7 p.m. local time.

This observance was initiated by The Compassionate Friends, an international organization that provides support to families after a child dies, as a gift for families to remember the children who have died too soon, but will never be forgotten.