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Runners geared up in their best neon clothes to support Ministerial Association Temporary Shelter’s “Glow the Distance” 5K.

The 5k is one of four big events that MATS hosts throughout the year to cover daily operating costs for the shelter.

Runners battled against strong and chilly winds as they raced through Historic Downtown.

This year MATS utilized a new program, Personal Best Racing, to calculate racer times.

As the race concluded Andy Villagran, 24, took home first place, Maggie Moore, 11, took second and Corey Romines, 29, took third.

Overall Male and Female adult winners were Andy Villagran and Aisha Lawson. For kids 12 and under Maggie Moore and Gabe Barger won first place.

The best dressed for the night went to Ashley Long, who dawned a neon pink tutu.

This was Angela Johnson’s first race as Events & Marketing Coordinator and she was thrilled to see the turnout and success.

“We had a lot of people show up in their neon and glowing lights to support MATS and we are just thrilled at the turnout,” Johnson said. “Everyone had fun and enjoyed themselves and that’s all we could ask for.”

Johnson thanked all the volunteers and local first responders for helping with the event.

“I want to give a shout out to all of our volunteers who showed up to help,” she said. “They came ready to work and stepped in wherever we needed them. They were awesome the entire the event and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

“I also want to thank our local first responders for helping with traffic and standing by if anything were to happen. We are so grateful to have a community that support us and our mission.”

Johnson highlighted the sponsors for the 5K that assisted with the event.

“We want to thank our sponsors Margie Wright, Property Marketing Group, Hurst Real Estate and Auction, Knoxville TVA, Citizens National Bank, Morristown Utilities, Planet Fitness, May Family Chiropractic, Covenant Morristown Hamblen, Lowland Credit Union and Servpro. Without these sponsors this event wouldn’t be possible.”

Finally Johnson thanked the community for participating in the 5K and asked for the communities continued support.

“We really want to thank the community for signing up for the 5K and showing their support to our shelter and we hope that you continue supporting us and what we do for the community.”

The shelter is always in need of laundry detergent, bottled water, trash bags and other daily household supplies. An Amazon Wish List can be found on its webpage as well as other ways to donate.

MATS serve men, women, and whole families in the community experiencing homelessness. It provides shelter, food, clothing, and budget coaching to those in need.

It is also always looking for volunteers to help with its fundraisers, shelters and warming stations that are open if the temperature falls below 32 degrees.

If you are interested in volunteering with events or helping around the shelter, please visit the shelter’s webpage for an application.

For more information on MATS call 423-587-9215.