A wave of inspiration swept through Delavan this Saturday as a group of St. Jude runners made a heartfelt stop at the Veterans Park pavilion during their annual relay from Peoria to Memphis. The team, part of a statewide fundraising effort for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, paused briefly in Delavan to hydrate, connect with local supporters, and share stories from the road.

The runners, greeted with applause from residents lining the route, arrived around midday under clear skies. Volunteers from the Delavan community provided water and encouraging words at the pavilion, which served as an official checkpoint on the 465-mile relay. For many, it was more than just a pit stop—it was a reminder of why they run.

This year’s relay included over 200 runners, each covering segments of the journey in a symbolic handoff of hope. Donations from the event help fund pediatric research, treatment, and patient support at no cost to families battling childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Residents gathered near the pavilion to support the team before they continued south toward their next stop. The event brought together longtime locals, first-time supporters, and several children sporting St. Jude t-shirts—some of whom handed out ribbons and notes of encouragement.

As the runners departed, the sound of cheers lingered, and so did a sense of purpose. It was a moment of community pride—and a powerful step toward healing.

If you'd like to donate to the St. Jude Peoria-to-Memphis Run, visit stjude.org. Let’s keep the momentum moving.