Running for families: Ronald McDonald House Walk/Run for kids

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Pom-poms, adorable pups and runners joined together this morning for a cause close to home.

“I'm a pediatric nurse by heart, and I did oncology, and I got very attached to a few kids that we lost," Amanda Hernandez, a participant at today's run, told ABC-7.

Amanda is one of more than 600 participants who laced up for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso’s 11th annual Walk/Run for Kids.

Today, she ran a 5K to help provide lodging and resources to families whose children are receiving medical care in El Paso.

“The kiddos that are going to come through your oncology unit, because they're there forever, for a long time. Um, so, yeah, I kept thinking of one especially," said Amanda.

Grimace, the Hamburglar, Paydirt Pete and Amigo Man all helped lead the run.

While participants, and their pets, sported their best costumes.

By the end of the run, people and pets crossed the finish line side by side, enjoying the crisp morning air.

But to participants like Amanda, today meant pushing yourself a little for a cause that helps kids going through a lot.

“It's nothing. This is nothing compared to what they go through. They're little warriors," said Amanda.