​​This article is written by Collin Ruane. It was posted on wowt.com on May 30, 2016.

As most took advantage of Monday to sleep in, thousands laced up their shoes for the Boy's Town Annual Memorial Day Run.

Runners believe the event is about more than just a day off of work. Cheers of support could be heard along the course as thousands pounded the pavement at Boys Town. Everyone had their reason to show their support.

"We like to run and stay active, so we thought, why not do it?" said runner Jessica Sledge.

"We're here because I have a grandson who has hearing loss, so we wanted to participate in the run and support Boys Town,” Jean Peters.

Boy's Town Annual Memorial Day Run hosted a 400-meter race for the kids and a 5-mile course for adults.

Even those who didn't race were excited to attend, like Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Seffany Lien.

"I'm from Lincoln, so I got up at about 5:30 this morning, but it was definitely worth it,” said Lien.

Monday’s run brought runners from all speeds from around the metro; many of them were able to finish this five-mile course in less than 30 minutes.

"It was tough. It was warm, and these courses are hilly, but it felt good,” said Seth Hirsch.

Seth Hirsch is a Millard West runner; he said even though he didn't set a personal record, he wasn't too upset with his winning time.

"This is about 10 seconds off, I think. So I was pretty close. I ran about 40 seconds faster than last year, though, so that's good,” said Hirsch.

While many took part to get a good workout in, the race was about a whole lot more than that to Jean Peters.

"Very invigorating, lots of love, and lots of fun for the kids. Many, many things for the children to do and the grown ups too,” said Peters. "My heart's just full. It's wonderful to see all this kind of support and love."

Boys Town held the event to help benefit programs at the hospital for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing.