WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds participated in the Iowa Donor Network’s Give Life 5K, honoring and celebrating those who donate their organs and the people who receive them.

The race took place Saturday morning at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines.

This 5K is the Iowa Donor Network’s largest event of the year. It was originally scheduled to take place in May but was rescheduled due to rain.

Organizers said rescheduling the event allowed more people to register. Over 600 people registered for the event in advance and around 25 people registered in person.

This year is the Iowa Donor Network’s 30th anniversary, but it’s their first ever Give Life 5K. Event Specialist Anna Wardenburg said they consolidated two 5K events they hosted every year and decided to make them just one and call it the Give Life 5K. She said the event helps provide community for donors, recipients, and families.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to really connect with people from both sides of our community,” said Wardenburg.

Noelle Steines finished first in the 5k. She is a senior at Tipton High School and is from Calamus, Iowa. She is also a state champion for cross country. Her whole family ran in support of a donor family during the 5K.

“I pushed myself today because the pain I went through is nothing like what their family went through,” she said.

Noelle’s father, Tate, finished in second place.