SOUTH POINT — Saturday’s race at The Point industrial park was the first time Brandon Trent had ever tried his luck with a 5-K.

His reason for joining in was simple. It was for his brother, Brian Trent.

Trent died in April from complications from diabetes and his friends and co-workers at Sam’s Club put on the special memorial race to raise money for diabetes research.

As he watched the runners gathering in front of the Chamber of Commerce building, Brandon said it was a tribute to his brother.

“This shows just how good a person he was,” Brandon said. “He just touched everyone. He was a big brother to everyone.”

Also representing the Trent family in the 5K was Trent’s father, Robert Trent.

“Brian would just be amazed,” Robert said.

Despite an overcast and cool morning 70 runners showed up to participate in the race.

“I’m so happy,” Toni Crank, an organizer of the race, said. “This is so much better than I expected.”

Crank worked with Trent at Sam’s Club where other co-workers spent the summer raising money to put the race on.

“Brian was a great guy,” she said. “His death was devastating. It left a huge hole.”

The community came together to help with the fundraiser, Crank said.

“We have had so many donations from businesses, food, money, gift cards to raffle off,” she said.

All proceeds from the race are earmarked for the American Diabetes Association.

“We plan on doing this every year and hope it keeps growing,” Crank said.