Be the Buffalo

Do you know why we call this the Be the Buffalo Race and why we are so passionate about continuing it each year?

Dianne Sullivan Wells (FiA name: Digits) was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and a well-known runner in Lexington that started the run group Running Wild that still meets to this day. Digits was tragically taken from us during one of our early morning runs 6 years ago today. That week the local FiA & F3 groups converged and held a prayer circle, and a friend read a story about buffalo. You see, when a storm arises buffalo gather together & face the storm head on, and because of this they get through the storm quicker compared to other animals. For us Being the Buffalo is herding together & facing storms together. All storms are different, and it doesnt mean the journey is easy. It doesnt mean the journey doesnt hurt. It doesnt mean the pain will end quicker. But it means that together with your people & your community, you will get through it by praying for each other, lifting each other up, helping each other. Facing it together.

A year and a half later we lost another beloved runner unexpectedly during a battle with breast cancer. Edith Edy Pearson (FiA name: Needle) was also a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, fierce runner, and our biggest cheerleader.

The Be the Buffalo 5K Memorial Run for Digits and Needle was started in honor of Digits & Needle. A way to remember them for their impact on us and to our community, for their love of running, and for their legacy to live on.

Each year a portion of the proceeds of the Be the Buffalo Race is donated to a charity close to the heart of the families of Digits & Needle. For the 2026 race, we have decided to continue to support our local community. The same community that showed up for us, that carried us through the storm.

So, if youre a runner, sign-up to join us on Feb 7th. If you dont run, sign up to walk with us. Or if youre unable to do either one, you can donate to support, because one thing I know for sure is this community shows up. We face the storm together.

We are currently looking for sponsors. Please reach out if you are interested. The deadline for sponsorship is JANUARY 7TH, 2026.

This race will make donations annually to the charity of choice decided by families of Digits (Dianne Wells) and Needle (Edy Pearson). The proceeds for the 2026 race will go to the family of Kathy Young. She was a secretary at Rocky Creek Elementary School, whose life was taken too soon earlier this year.