PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CARRYING THE COLORS … Bringing up the rear of the 5K race, two men braved the weather and carried the American flag during their run.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Cloudy skies and bouts of rain did not stop runners, walkers, families, veterans, and supporters from gathering Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, for the third annual Poppy Run 5K at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
Held during Memorial Day weekend, the event brought the surrounding communities together to honor the nation’s fallen military heroes while supporting organizations dedicated to veterans and their families.
Founded by sixth-grader Grady Langenderfer, the Poppy Run was created as a tribute to his grandfather’s friends who never returned home from the Vietnam War.
Organizers also remembered his grandfather, Thomas J. Langenderfer, a U.S. Marine and Purple Heart recipient who passed away earlier this year.
Grady kicked off the morning with a heartfelt speech, stating: “I started this race in memory of my Papa’s friends who never made it home from Vietnam.
It started as a simple idea to honor them and it continues to grow each year because of all your support, and we are truly grateful.
“Today is about remembering those who gave everything for our country and made sure that sacrifice is never forgotten.”
State Representative Jim Hoops attended the event to show support for the local county 5K. “Grady is going to be somebody to look out for, because he really cares about this community,” Hoops said.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur also made opening remarks. “Memorial Day helps remind us of our history, and it’s important to know America’s history so that the good parts can be developed and the bad parts never repeated again,” Kaptur stated.
“As you run today, you run in their memory,” she continued. “You also run towards the future of our country where new leaders are being raised everyday in order to help make our country a better place in which to live. We do so in memory of those who gave their all for us.”
Saturday’s activities began with a pre-race Memorial Day ceremony before participants lined up for the 5K run/walk at 9:00 a.m. A Kid’s Run/Walk followed later in the morning — giving all ages the opportunity to participate.
Proceeds from the Poppy Run benefited Flag City Honor Flight and the Fisher House Foundation.
Flag City Honor Flight provides local veterans with trips to Washington, D.C., memorials honoring their service, while the Fisher House Foundation offers lodging and support to military and veteran families during medical treatment.
Now in its third year, the Poppy Run continues growing into a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Fulton County, combining fitness, patriotism, and community support in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
