by Annabelle Volk

May 25 of this year marked the 4th annual Steve Snider “It’s a Beautiful Day” 5k Run.

“It started when my father passed away, and some different people reached out to ask if we would be interested in running a 5k,” Physical education teacher, track and field coach and cross country coach, Mr. Nathan Snider said. “We said no, no, no. Then somebody who worked with my dad for a long time reached out and asked.” 

Steve Snider was very well known and loved by the community, so the 5k was created in his honor. 

“It was kind of like the right person to ask us,” Mr. Nathan Snider said. “Obviously, my mom was the one that said okay. My brother and I were kind of on board from the get-go, but we didn’t want to do it unless my mom was for it.” 

GS staff and students have shown support for the event. 

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The Greensburg YMCA website advertising the race.

Photo By: Annabelle Volk

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“We get more support on the staff side,” Snider said. “Some of the cross country kids will do it. Most of the people who do it are former track or cross country kids or students that he had.” 

With the 5k being relatively new, Snider encouraged more participation. 

“I found out about it through my cross country coach,” sophomore Jillian Kaboly said. “I’ve run in it all three years, so this will be my fourth.”

The 5k began at Sunset Café, leading runners into South Greensburg. Participants who chose to walk return to Offutt Field by using the Five Star Trail.  

“I have run many 5ks,” Kaboly said. “I especially like this one because it’s set up really well with the course and the finish.” 

Students have shown support since the start of the 5k. Many enjoyed the 5k because of the course. 

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Mr. Snider crosses the finish line after completing the 5k.

Photo Courtesy: Mr. Lenzi

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“I run the whole thing,” junior Matthew Shepherd said. “The course itself is enjoyable. It’s not hard, but it’s not completely flat either.” 

 Students ran in groups with their friends. However, some preferred to challenge themselves with the run. 

“I’ve seen friends there and hung out with them,” Shepherd said. “But I run it on my own since I’m trying to run it as fast as I can.”

Throughout the past four years, participation in the 5k has remained consistent. 

“We would take anybody,” Snider said. “We want everybody to do it. We’ve had about 350 people every year, and this will be our fourth year.”