May 11 'I Am Somebody' 5k Honors Life of Jim Niebes

When James Niebes, 61, passed away in September 2012, he left a hole in the lives of many.

In particular, “4 girls”: his wife, Corey, and three daughters Heather Niebes Wiley, Shannon Niebes Harman and Erin Niebes Sefchick, supported the husband and father who died after a battle with kidney cancer.

While he was alive, the four created “4 Girls 4 Jim,” in 2008, when Niebes was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The organization in turn founded the “I Am Somebody” 5k with proceeds benfitting the Benefiting the Kidney Cancer Association.

“This is our fourth year doing the race,” daughter Shannon said.

With Jim’s passing, the race, which be held this on May 11 at Weiss Field, has been renamed The Jim Niebes Memorial "I AM SOMEBODY" 5k Run. Weiss Field is located at the corners of Moore and Webber roads in Avon Lake.

“We came up with ‘I AM SOMEBODY’ because when we were kids and it was the first day of school or we had a big game that day or an important test our dad would always chant,  ‘I AM’ and we would respond, ‘SOMEBODY,’” Shannon said. 

With Jim’s passing, the race is even more special this year.

"This year is really important to us,” Shannon said. “It is the first year we will be doing the race without our dad/husband. Come out and join us for a fun run, and honor a man's life who truly was somebody."

Race details can be found at the Hermes Road Racing site.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. with the 5k kicking off at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 (pre-registration) and $25 for same-day registration. Online registration is open until 9 a.m., Friday, May 10.

Following the race, participants and supporters can join in a celebration at Buffalo Wild Wings in Avon Lake. Each family will be asked to donate $5 for an all you can eat buffet. 

In addition to the four “girls” supporters will include Heather’ husband  Mark and kids Jack, Owen and Finn; Shannon’s kids Isabella, Cooper, Caiden and Marin; and Erin’s husband brad and kids Connor and Teagan.