More than 150 run or walk in memory of Gilbertsville boy, 12

More than 150 people walked or ran for the 9th annual Virtual JK5K and Birthday Fun Run to celebrate the life of a Gilbertsville boy during the week of what would have been his birthday.

Boyertown-area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, was entering his first year in junior high school when he passed away in the summer of 2015. Jacob would have graduated with Boyertown’s Class of 2021.

The JK5K has been held annually in August since Jacob’s passing to celebrate his birthday and raise funds for the Jacob Karnchanaphati Memorial Trust, established by his parents Michelle and Christopher Karnchanaphati in memory of their son.

“The purpose of holding the Virtual JK5K is to remember Jacob the week of his birthday. It allows people a week to participate at their own convenience from anywhere,” said event organizer Michelle Karnchanaphati, Jacob’s mother. “We had participants in Massachusetts, Chicago, Florida, and several parts of Pennsylvania.”

Participants were asked to walk or run any distance from Aug. 17-25 in their place of choice, take their photo, and post it to The JK5K and Birthday Fun Run Facebook page.

“We love to see the photos that people send in and continue to walk and run each year,” said Karnchanaphati. “The boys and girls high school soccer teams got together this year at the track to complete their 5K which was very special.”

The Boyertown Area Senior High soccer teams completed the JK5K at the track in memory of Boyertown area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, who would have graduated with Boyertown’s Class of 2021. (Photo courtesy of BASH Soccer Team)

The Boyertown Area Senior High boys soccer team completed the JK5K at the track in memory of Boyertown area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, who would have graduated with Boyertown’s Class of 2021. (Photo courtesy of BASH Soccer Team)

The Boyertown Area Senior High girls soccer team completed the JK5K at the track in memory of Boyertown area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati. (Photo courtesy of BASH Soccer Team)

The Boyertown Area Senior High boys and girls soccer teams completed the JK5K at the track in memory of Boyertown area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, who would have graduated with Boyertown’s Class of 2021. (Photo courtesy of BASH Soccer Team)

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The Boyertown Area Senior High soccer teams completed the JK5K at the track in memory of Boyertown area soccer player Jacob “JK” Karnchanaphati, 12, who would have graduated with Boyertown’s Class of 2021. (Photo courtesy of BASH Soccer Team)

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While there is no fee to participate in JK5K, the Trust receives numerous donations. Any funds raised go directly toward scholarships to Boyertown Area Senior High School seniors each May.

“All money raised directly funds our scholarship,” said Karnchanaphati. “We do receive several contributions throughout the year through people that donate through their company and we often receive matching gifts. We also receive several private donations throughout the year.”

In May, the Jacob Karnchanaphati Memorial Trust awarded $48,000 in scholarships to 16 Boyertown Area High School graduating seniors during the Class of 2024 awards ceremony.

Including the 2024 recipients, the trust has awarded a total of $458,000 to 91 students in Jacob’s memory since the first scholarship was awarded in 2016.

For more information, visit www.jacobk3.com.

Source: Berkshire mont