NASHUA – Runners and walkers of all ages took a jaunt through Mine Falls Park Saturday morning while participating in the seventh annual Lois’ Race Against Lyme, a 5K race aimed at raising awareness about the disease.

More than a hundred participants began their run from Stellos Stadium at 10 a.m., traversing more than three miles through the park. Runners, some with their dogs and others pushing their youngest family members in strollers, all came out in an effort to help those who are struggling to pay for their medical expenses as a result of having Lyme Disease.

The first race was organized in 2012 by Elissa and Valerie Johnson as a means to help pay for their mother, Lois Johnson’s, medical expense resulting from the disease. After a successful first year and at the behest of their mother, the two sisters have continued to host the fundraiser while helping other families and individuals in need.

“Originally, it was to support our mother,” Valerie Johnson said. “Each year we have – through doctors and through support groups – we have been able to identify people and families that need support, can’t pay for their meds, are really struggling (and) we get to help them.”

Elissa Johnson noted that after that initial race, people started coming to them with their stories, explaining how many struggle with the disease, not only on a financial front, but also with the legitimacy of Lyme disease, which some medical professionals refuse to recognize.

“There were so many people coming out of the woodwork saying, ‘I have Lyme, I have Lyme, we can’t afford my treatment, we can’t afford the medication,'” Elissa Johnson said. “We talk to so many people who still would say, ‘my doctor told me it was all in my head,’ or ‘my doctor told me there is no such thing as Lyme disease.”

With nearly 180 participants running or walking through Mine Falls in support of those dealing with the disease, the Johnson sisters said this year’s race was by far the best one yet, as it has grown consistently over the past seven years.

“It’s growing a little bit each year,” Valerie Johnson said about the turnout. “This year is our best year.”

“All those running the race and crossing the finish line are so inspiring to us,” Elissa Johnson added.

With so much support from the surrounding communities, the sisters said they plan to continue growing the event, with the hopes they will be able to add more activities and attraction to draw participants and supporters to spend more time before and after the race.

Completing the race first was Nelson Knudsen, who finished in 18:34, while the women’s winner was Elisabeth Dwyer, who crossed the finish line with her dog, Edison, at 24:50. The fastest person in the younger division was 11-year-old Lincoln Stubbs, who finished the race at 22:06.

Mathew Plamondon can be reached at 594-1244 or mplamondon@nashuatelegraph.com, @telegraph_MatP.