It was just below freezing Saturday morning for a benefit run on behalf of Helping Hands at Knoxville High School.

About 50 runners and walkers turned up for the Winter Wonder Run; participants covered a 5K course starting from the rear parking lot and winding through the nearby streets…and together, they raised over $2,300.

The event was organized by students who were in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, on behalf of the Knoxville Rotary Club; taking part in that program inspired these teens to work to help out in the community.

Joey Kesteloot tells KNIA/KRLS News the experience of holding this run last year under the name New Year’s Resolution Run — and having it postponed until well into the New Year because of sub-zero temperatures — helped to prepare him and his classmates to be better prepared this time around.

“It’s coming along really well; since I was a part of this last year, I kind of knew how to be a little more organized this year…and so everything is actually going a lot more efficiently,” Joey says.

Participants had the luxury of gathering in the high school commons before and afterward; prizes were handed out not only for the top finishers, but for special awards such as best dressed or coldest runner.

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was at the starting line, playing holiday music and helping to pump up the field before the run.