Editor’s note: Revisions were made to this article after publication. Nichole Stangeland’s age as well as minor grammatical errors were corrected. 

Rain did not stop the Iowans for Adoption’s fifth annual Gingerbread run/walk Sunday at Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames.

While 80 people originally registered, approximately 20 came out to run on Sunday despite the rain. There were 30 volunteers and about a dozen spectators.

“We have been so fortunate to have outstanding support over the past 6 years of Gingerbread Run for Adoption events, and this Ames event wasn’t any different [this year], except that it down poured at the beginning of the race,” said Diana Lang Baltimore, event organizer and director of Iowans for Adoption.

The event featured the 5k run and walk and activities for kids and their families, as well as music. At the end of the race, runners were awarded medals in a variety of age categories.

Iowa State’s mascot, Cy, even made the trip to Ada Hayden to join in the fun with the participants.

Cassi Britt, a masters student in apparel, events and hospitality management, joined Iowa State’s Adoption Club her junior year. As a former preschool teacher, Britt has a “soft spot in her heart” for kids and is passionate about adoption.  

“I just wanted to be here to be able to support adoption,” Britt said.

Nicholle Stangeland, junior in child, adult and family services, was adopted at the age of 17 after spending four years in foster care.

Now 24 years old, Stangeland has been coming to the event since she was adopted.

“Adoption is a really cool thing, as well as the support system that comes along with it,” Stangeland said.

Lang Baltimore considered the event to be a success despite the rain.

“We [were] elated with the support for adoption and we will look forward to continuing our positive momentum across Iowa to ensure that children have a safe, permanent, nurturing, loving, stable home,” Lang Baltimore said.

Those who registered and were unable to attend the event in Ames are welcome to attend the run at 10 a.m. held at the Des Moines Area Community College on Nov. 3 for no extra cost, Lang Baltimore said.