COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The Columbia Fire Department and Irmo Fire District hosted the first annual "Gone, But Not Forgotten" 5K run and walk Sunday to honor a firefighter killed in the line of duty late last year.
Firefighter Chance Zobel died on Nov. 13, 2010 when he was hit by a car while responding to a brush fire alongside Interstate 20 near Clemson Road.
Runners met Sunday in front of the South Carolina Midlands First Responders Memorial at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The race marked the one year anniversary of Zobel's death.
"The funeral last year was probably the most touching thing I was ever a part of," said Alyson Meier, who ran in Sunday's race. "I'll always remember what all of these men do for us."
Meier's husband and brother-in-law are Columbia firefighters who served alongside Zobel.
"Chance relieved my brother-in-law that morning," said Meier. "To me, that just makes it that much closer that he worked with him and that it could have been my brother-in-law that day."
So on this day, Alyson, her husband, their daughters and hundreds of first responders gathered to run in Zobel's honor.
"It means a whole lot to our department to know, his name and his legacy are still alive," said fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department.
Many of Zobel's colleagues committed to running the race in full firefighter gear. "He lost his life doing this," said Columbia firefighter Karl Meier. "I can push my body to the limit this day in honor of him."
At 2:13 p.m., race participants paused for a moment of silence. Organizers say that was the time of the accident that killed Zobel last November.
When it was time to run, young and old alike said the all had the same thing on their mind. "To run for him," said Mackenzie Meier, "And to think about how much firefighters do."
Over 230 runners and walkers were registered for the race which started on Lincoln Street.
"This being the first year, it's an unbelievable turnout," said Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefield. "We had no idea what to expect. This is not a usual time to have a 5K, but this is the anniversary of his death and to have this turnout- it's unbelievable."
In the end, it was Columbia firefighter Jeremy Reed who won the race finishing in just over 19 minutes.
"Chance gave his all a year ago and I wanted to give my all today," said Reed. "Just in remembrance of him and also to my Lord Jesus Christ, that's why I ran so hard."
Proceeds will benefit Salkehatchie Summer Service -- one of Zobel's favorite charities. Race organizers hope to make this an annual event.
Related stories:
Troopers: Driver in firefighter crash was in country illegally
Driver charged in wreck that killed Columbia firefighter
Fellow firefighter remembers Chance Zobel
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Chance Zobel
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