EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
An Evansville man and his water stand have become a staple for dozens of runners training for the YMCA's half marathon next month.
Once a week, the runners can expect to see Brian Kellems ready and waiting near Wesselman's Park with cups of water.
Brian Kellems is in the water business. Every Tuesday evening, Brian, his mom, and sister, Kristina, set up shop outside their home on East Iowa Street.
"Get the cups and get the water and the coolers," Brian said.
But this endeavor, isn't about turning a profit. It's about lending a hand or two.
"Would you like some water? Welcome," Brian said.
"He was sitting out, saw them running and walking. It was real hot out and he's like mom, he's like, 'can we hand out water?' He says, 'They're awful hot,'" said Brian's mom, Tami Kellems.
So now thanks to Brian, Tri-Staters pounding the pavement have come to count on a little added distraction.
"We were hoping they were here," a runner said on the way past the table.
"Down on Alvord on the bridge, we'll say, 'Hey the water's up there. Those nice people with the water.' So, we were looking forward to it and we're almost done at that point," a runner said.
On a hot night, Brian goes through 11 of jugs of water. He pays for his supplies with money he earns working at Taco Bell, three days a week.
Even though most on his route can't stop to chat, Brian's generosity is without a doubt appreciated.
"It's a blessing when it's real hot, yes," a grateful runner said.
"It just makes you, you know, happy that you live in a community where a support out here that's supporting your lifestyle," another runner said.
"It's just an awesome feeling, just to see him," Tami said. "He's gonna be sad when it's done, and he can't do this again until next year."
For now though, Brian stands ready until his final "customers" pass by. For him, the payoff comes each time someone takes a drink.
"We just appreciate him so much," a runner said.
Brian plans to be handing out water this weekend at Race for the Cure and at the half marathon on October 7th.
