Sunday's thick fog lifted long enough to allow the runners in the Running Blind race to find their way to the finish line.
Approximately 250 people competed in the Normandy Park events, raising funds for Hear See Hope, an organization devoted to fighting Usher Syndrome.

"We wanted to have a community event," Todd McKittrick said, "something fun for all ages." McKittrick and his wife Lane established Hear See Hope in 2004, after their oldest son Connor was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes deafness and blindness.

After the diagnosis, Lane said, starting the organization provided "a way to channel" their feelings in order to "do something positive."

Begun by the McKittricks and a small circle of their friends and acquaintances, the organization now collaborates with individuals and organizations across the country.

Hear See Hope grants have funded research performed at the University of Iowa and Oregon Health Sciences University, among other institutions. They also helped establish the Coalition for Usher Syndrome Research, devoted to research, awareness, and support for affected families.

Above all, the McKittricks hope to speed the discovery of a cure for Usher Syndrome in the lifetimes of their sons.

"I think it's definitely a possibility," Todd said.

Hear See Hope works to bring Usher Syndrome researchers together, sponsoring conferences that allow them to meet and compare notes.

Besides connecting researchers, the McKittricks hope to connect families affected by Usher Syndrome. In July, the group will host its second conference for families affected by Usher Syndrome.

Such events unite those who know people with Usher Syndrome, who often feel as if no one else has heard of the disease, Lane noted. "It makes you say it's worth the time," she said.

Thus, a fundraising run seemed the ideal event to raise awareness "in a fun way." She noted that one young woman with Usher Syndrome had entered the race without being contacted by Hear See Hope and had raised over $500.

Most runners, however, were simply residents of the area who had heard about the race.

"People are really excited," Todd said, adding that Running Blind is the first race to start and finish in Normandy Park.

"The community has really banded together," he said.

He pointed out the customers who were stopping by the Archery Bistro, where the events were held, to drop off tables and other supplies the morning before the race began.

Despite the soggy weather, the Normandy Park Towne Center teemed with runners, walkers and dogs. Kathleen O'Grady-Graham, Connor's occupational therapist, came to run the 5K race with her husband Mike.

She agreed that the event had brought the Normandy Park community together, saying, "We know most of the people here."

Mike added that their six-year-old son Declan had been training for the later 1K race, his first ever organized run.

A number of attendees partnered up for the 1K race, allowing one member of each group to wear a blindfold and earplugs, simulating deaf-blindness. Approximately 125 people competed in each event, with Tyler Freeberg, 17, of Normandy Park, winning the 5K.

Runners ranged from athletes preparing for cross country season to parents pushing jogging strollers. To the side, blindfolded children tried to navigate a maze and a few adults braved the drizzle to enjoy the beer garden.

Hear see hope had never hosted a race before, concentrating mainly on auctions, Todd said, but "we just thought this was a really great event for the community here."

On June 6, the community seemed to fully agree.