Connor’s Causes 5K/1-Mile walk

Despite his battle with cystic fibrosis, Socorro’s Conner Johnston has always been a fighter. At the tender age of six, he used his persuasive skills to convince his mother to let him sponsor his own 5K, a testament to his determination to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Last year, 185 runners or walkers (there’s a 1-mile walk, too) showed up to take part in Conner’s Causes and the now 14-year-old is hoping to top the 200-runner mark on Saturday. There’s a little bit of a twist this year with it being a “superhero run,” so bring along your favorite alter ego.

Johnston’s family found out he had the disease when he was 10 months old, but it’s never stopped him from taking part in soccer and varsity swimming. He’s been hospitalized multiple times to deal with lung and breathing problems; still, not even a hospital stay last year could keep him away from his event.

After participating in a Big Toys 5K at six, Connor began talking to his mother, Jeanne, about hosting a race in Socorro. He’d made many plans, including having cupcakes (his favorite part about his first race) at the end.

“So, Connor was yelling that he wanted to do the 5k, and his older brother wanted to do it, too. We signed them up, and afterward, Connor was like, that was so much fun. And he goes, I wonder if we could do something like that to raise money for CF?” Johnston said.
Over the years, Connor’s Causes 5K has grown significantly in terms of participants and funds raised. Two years ago, 160 runners signed up, raising $4,000. Last year, the number of participants increased to 185, a testament to the growing support for this noble cause.

“Another successful Connor’s Causes 5k or 1-mile walk for Cystic Fibrosis completed! We had 185 participants sign up. Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors, and participants for making it a success. We appreciate you all,” Jeannie Johnston said via the Connor’s Causes Facebook page.

Saturday’s race will start at 9 a.m. in the City of Socorro’s historic plaza. Registration is $10 and includes a t-shirt for the first 200 people. Onsite registration starts at 8a.m., and you can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NM/Socorro/ConnorsCauses5k.
There will be prizes for all kids: a mini cupcake from Sweet Occasions and an award for the top male and female running the 5K, which is a pound of bacon- Connor’s favorite meat treat.
To find out more information, visit connorscauses.org