OWENSBORO, KY — Runners and walkers gathered Saturday morning at Yellow Creek Park for the Owensboro Hockey Heroes 5K.

The 5K gave people a chance to get outside, compete, have some fun and support a local program that gives athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play hockey.

At 8 a.m., participants took to the 3.1-mile course, with 17-year-old Joseph Cecil leading the way. Cecil finished first overall in 18:50..

James Loi, 26, finished second in 20:24, while Pete Ashby took third with a time of 20:42.

But the morning wasn’t just about who finished first.

The event also included awards for Most Spirited, Turtle Award and Youngest Finisher, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere and making sure there were plenty of ways to celebrate the people who came out to participate.

The 5K is organized to raise money for Hockey Heroes, a local team for individuals with special needs. Proceeds help provide new sleds and safety equipment while also helping cover the costs of practices and uniforms.

Shelley Barber, who organizes the program, said the idea came from two parts of her life that she cares deeply about: watching her sons grow up playing hockey and working as an occupational therapist with children with disabilities in the Owensboro area.

Hockey Heroes provides skating and sled hockey opportunities for players who might not otherwise be able to participate on traditional recreational teams. Players are not charged for their equipment, jerseys or practice time.

The program currently serves players ranging from 5 to 40 years old, with each player having a cognitive or physical disability that prevents them from participating at the recreational level on teams without disabilities.

The mission goes beyond hockey. The program is designed to help players build physical strength and coordination while developing confidence and mental well-being through teamwork and group activities.

That’s what made Saturday morning about more than a 5K.

For some, it was a race. For others, it was a walk with friends or family. And for Hockey Heroes, it was another step toward making sure more people have the opportunity to experience the sport they love.