By Rapids City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A race to remember the victim of a Wisconsin Rapids homicide and raise money for his family is set for July 6.

Chris Race died March 24, 2018, when he was reportedly shot by his wife’s ex-husband. Race left behind his wife, Jacalyn, and five sons. Race and his wife owned and operated Higher Grounds Bakery & Café on Eighth Street South.

The shocking death, and family he left behind, prompted two close family friends to organize a local 6k.

“We were just dumbfounded. It was horrible,” co-organizer, Kathleen Zelony said.

“Chris’ parents are our neighbors,” Judy Cramer, co-organizer and Kathleen’s mother-in-law explained. “(Judy’s son) Michael and Chris grew up together. They have been friends since they could walk up the hill and down the hill. They were back and forth – best buddies all of the way through.”

Zelony came up with the race concept and went into action, “We made the flyer, and I started telling people,” she explained. “The event is going to be 6k; it is going to be one time around Lake Wazeecha – start and finish at Red Sands.”

The 6k run/walk will start at 9 a.m. on July 6 at Lake Wazeecha – Red Sands Beach, 6411 South Park Road, Wisconsin Rapids.

Online registration is available until July 4. On-site registration is available July 5, 3-5 p.m., and July 6, 7-8:30 a.m.

More information is available at https://chrisraces6krace.itsyourrace.com.