Riding the Wave Together: Recapping the Inaugural Wilson’s Wave 5K
On May 2, 2026, something truly special happened. The inaugural Wilson’s Wave 5K brought together an incredible community of supporters, families, runners, walkers, volunteers, and sponsors—all united by a shared purpose.
What began as an idea rooted in awareness and action became a powerful, unforgettable day filled with connection, energy, and hope.
A Powerful Step for Wilson’s Wave
From the very beginning, the turnout surpassed expectations. Despite the rainy weather, participants of all ages came out ready to support a cause that deeply matters. While some of the 132 registered participants were unable to participate because of the rain, more than 100 people still took part in the race.
Whether running toward the finish line or walking alongside friends and family, each step reflected a shared commitment to honoring Wilson Moore’s life and raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl. The atmosphere was nothing short of inspiring. There was laughter, encouragement, and a sense of unity that carried throughout the entire course. It was a reminder that even in the face of loss, community has the power to uplift, to heal, and to create meaningful change.
This event was not just about running a 5K. It was about choosing healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges and standing together in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Celebrating Our Top Finishers
One of the most exciting parts of race day was celebrating the incredible effort and determination shown by our runners. The energy at the finish line was unforgettable as participants crossed with smiles, cheers, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
We are proud to recognize the Top 5 Male Finishers and Top 5 Female Finishers of the inaugural Wilson’s Wave 5K. These runners set an incredible pace and helped make race day even more inspiring for everyone involved.
Top 5 Male Finishers
1st— Cooper Redfern
2nd— Latham Stone
3rd— Will Brasier
4th— Chase Freiling
5th— Zack Brasier
Top 5 Female Finishers
1st— Mary Susan Rideout
2nd— Michelle Davis
3rd— Jennifer Taylor
4th— Stacy Graves
5th— Mackenzie Webb
Congratulations to all of our top finishers for their outstanding performance. Your dedication and effort added to the excitement of the day and helped set the tone for what we hope will become a lasting tradition. Every participant, whether competing for time or simply running in support of the cause, played an essential role in making this event such a success.
Honoring Leadership, Legacy, and Community
This event would not have been possible without the leadership and initiative of Cade Bushee and Josh Rutland, whose vision helped bring the 5K to life. Their dedication embodies the mission of Wilson’s Wave:
Using your voice for good
Taking accountability
Turning awareness into action
What they helped create is something that will continue to ripple outward for years to come.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to every single person who attended. Your presence made this event what it was. To those who ran, walked, volunteered, or simply came out to support, we’d like to thank you for showing up and standing with us.
Also, a very special thank you goes out to our sponsors and partners. Your generosity and willingness to support this mission played a crucial role in making the day such a success. From financial contributions to in-kind donations, your involvement helped create an event that was both impactful and memorable. It’s because of you that we were able to bring this vision to life in such a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
Wilson’s Wave was founded on the belief that awareness can save lives. This 5K was a powerful reflection of that mission in action. Through community, education, and open conversation, we are continuing to build something that honors Wilson’s legacy while working to protect others.
As we reflect on this incredible day, we are filled with gratitude and optimism. The inaugural Wilson’s Wave 5K was more than a success. It was the beginning of something bigger. Together, we are creating a wave of awareness, and we’re just getting started.
