Running for Riley

The 3rd Annual Riley J. Baker Memorial 5K & Fun Run will take place Saturday, May 12, in Deepwater, MO. 

Schedule: Registration 8 to 8:30 a.m. | 5K at 9 a.m. | Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. | Awards at Noon

Entry fees: 5K - $25 preregistered by April 16; $35 after April 16 and Day of Race. Fun Run: $10 preregistered by April 16; $15 after April 16 and Day of Race. 

Awards: Medals awarded to the top Male & Female participant in each age group 0-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-45; 46-60; 61+

Course: Country road mix of pavement and gravel for the 5K, stroller-friendly path for the Fun Run.

Amenities: Custom-designed t-shirts guaranteed for all preregistrants. T-shirts available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Water for 5K/Fun Run participants at the finish line, refreshments and food available for purchase. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing at noon, followed by the awards ceremony. 

History of the event: Riley Joseph Baker was born May 18, 2009, to Blane and Emily Baker of Lowry City. Riley died January 1, 2015, at his home in Lowry City due to medical conditions that he battled since birth. Riley struggled every day and endured several long hospitalizations with Blane and Emily always by his side and holding his hand. His greatest supporter, his little sister Reese, was also able to lend her support and love for the last two years of his life as she would often pat his hand and call him "Joe." Riley's struggles prevented him from from being able to walk and talk. Yet, despite these limitations, he was able to enjoy many things such as family trips, cheering for his Mizzou Tigers and his KC Royals, sharing his Dad's love for hunting, and attending Sharon Baptist Church where he was surrounded by love and kindness. There was never a doubt that Riley knew, understood, and felt the world around him as reflected by his smile, his laugh, and his cry.

Riley's heart, soul, and spirit was known and felt by many. Through his short life, he was loved by his family, his friends, his babysitters, his classmates, and his teachers. And in turn, Riley loved those around him and he loved school. Some of his happiest days were spent among his friends at Lakeland Preschool.

​After his passing, Blane and Emily asked that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations be made to the Lakeland Preschool. The response and donations were overwhelming. In early 2016, not long after the one year anniversary of Riley's death, Blane and Emily started the Riley J. Baker Memorial Committee along with other friends and family. To honor the memory of Riley, and aid the school that treated him so dearly, the idea of a running event came to fruition.  On May 7, 2016, just days before what would have been Riley's 7th birthday, the first Running for Riley event was held. Again, the response was overwhelming.

​Blane and Emily, with the support of the Memorial Committee, invite you to join us us in keeping Riley's memory alive and supporting early childhood education at Lakeland Preschool.

Donations or inquiries may also be sent to:

The Riley J. Baker Memorial Committee, PO Box 52, Lowry City, MO 64763 RunningforRJB (at) gmail.com 816-810-3855