Congratulations Racers...

Inaugural 10K Run & 5K/2K Run Run/Walk News...

Seventy-two runners put our inaugural 10K course to the test in record high temperatures and humidity October 10th. Anthony Jordan was the first to cross the finish line for the men in 41:26 with Frances Atkins the first woman across the finish line in 47:56. Described as one of the prettiest courses in NC, the runners also gave high praise to all the volunteers along the route who made it easy to know where to turn, watched for cars and handed out ice water and cold towels. Nikki Pierce and Missy Orr both ran the 10K representing the Sports Center Team. Several of our race sponsors also ran the course. Adam Rose, second with a time of 41:57 from Try Sports and Carl Reichenbach from Chi-running. Lou Galli of Try Sports ran the 5K before helping hand out awards. Brian Powell was the third man across the finish line in 42:10. Marie-Ange Smith 46:39 and Peggy Conlon 47:56 completed the top three fastest women for the 10K.

With staggered start times, the 10K runners were followed by a field of 132 timed 5K and 2K runners and walkers and 40 un-timed 2K walkers--half of which were on the Newbridge Bank Team. Coached by Roxanne Stockdale, ten runners from the One Good Run Team ranging in age from 5-10 crossed the finish line in their first timed 5K race followed by several parents. The first two men across the line for the 5K run were part of the Newbridge Bank Team, Chris Brittingham in 19:55 and Burmah Broadfoot in 20:45. David Witmer was third overall in 20:59.

For the women in the 5K race, Johanna Wilfong was first with a time of 22:25 followed by Thelma DeSantis in 23:07 and Laura Justice in 23:46. Leading the pack for our 14 and under runners in the 5K was Brady Hoffacker with a time of 32:57. Brady ran this course in July nearly one minute faster when it was also a sunny 84 degrees, but much lower humidity. Fabrice Felix and Jack Parrow, One Good Run team mates were our youngest 5K runners at age 5. Jack Bigoness ran barefoot finishing in 23:45 followed by daughter, Kayla (12), in 32:54.

Our youngest runner overall was Brooke Wood at 2.5 years with a time of 34:41 for the 2K race. Eddie Janosko, (10), was our fastest 2K runner at 10:13 followed by Drew Wood, (5), in 18:34.

The running community is one that strongly supports charitable giving and frequently involves the entire family. This race was no exception as family members of all ages competed and raced together, best friends and co-workers tried to cross the finish line first and several of our runners, competing here for the third time, worked on their time.

While the races run smoothly from the starting gun to the last award medal, the course doesn’t set itself. Volunteers working late into the night and very early the next morning make sure signs are in place, water stations are set up, corner guards have vests and are ready to enjoy watching our running guests work on perfecting their personal best times. A huge thank you to all the board members, family members, security personnel, staff and others who give their time to make our races run smoothly. We are equally appreciative of the support along the route by residents who turn out to cheer the runners, play music and put up with some traffic slowdowns. This was our first race utilizing the services of our CERT team to handle traffic and minor injuries. Thanks you for helping make the race go smoothly. We heard from the runners repeatedly how much they appreciated your support, how much it meant to them to have people cheering them on and how much they enjoy running our races. And a big thank you to all our sponsors who help make it possible to hold the races and improve them each time.