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Editor’s note: Photos and cutlines from this race were published in our May 17 newspaper. With a lot of sports going on, we didn't have space to run the story in the newspaper then, but it is in our May 31 edition.
Tuesday, May 30 -- The fifth annual Woods Creek Run 4 the Kids benefit race on May 13 successfully raised funds to benefit two local youths with cerebral palsy.
The race welcomed 59 runners and walkers, taking on the moderately hilly 4-mile course along the Woods Creek Trail from Waddell Elementary School to the historic Miller House Museum at Jordans Point Park and back. The event had its biggest turnout since the inaugural race in 2019, and those who participated on Saturday enjoyed sunny and warm weather. Race director David Wells noted that there were 84 registered participants, although 25 of them did not finish due to unforeseen circumstances.
The money raised from participants and sponsors helped cover intensive therapy costs for the two youths with cerebral palsy: 7-year-old Riven Welch and 13-year-old Alyssa Cornwell, who were present at the event. The event raised $6,513 this year, with sponsor money still coming in, and has raised approximately $26,000 in five years.
Grateful for the support, Wells said, “I would like to thank the many generous businesses, Washington and Lee students participating, especially Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Psi, along with the many volunteers and participants that made this year the most successful race since our inaugural race. We no doubt were hit hard by the CVOID effect, and this year was a resurgence in every way.” Wells also expressed his gratitude for the City of Lexington, Virginia Military Institute, W&L, and the Lexington police, fire department and rescue crew members who helped out.
After the race, the crowd enjoyed music by local band So Diverse and food provided by BeameupBBQ & Cafe, and an awards ceremony followed.
Winning the race was Sam Allen, 46, finishing in 25 minutes, 49 seconds. Justin Clement, 46, placed second in 28:34.59, and Evan Brady, 22, finished third in 29:09.66.
The first female finisher was Martha Wright, 62, placing 14th overall in 35:34.27. Kailey Fitzgerald, 22, finished second among females and 15th overall in 35:44.85. Placing third among females and 20th overall was Allie Stankewich, 22, in 36:57.18.
Age group winners were Trenten Cash (boys 13-18, sixth in 30:07.2), Coraline Brown (girls 13-18, 42nd in 49:12.16), Asa Tuke (men 19-24, seventh in 31:16.87), Noname Fitzgerald (women 19-24, 22nd in 37:08.72), Tom Wheeler (men 25-30, fifth in 29:51.4), Brooke Peccie (women 25-30, 24th in 37:36.58), Ben Thurman (men 31-36, 48th in 54:59.98), Rocha Jensen (women 31-36, 25th in 37:57.93), Blake Shester (men 37-42, fourth in 29:43.45), April Moore (women 37-42, 52nd in 1:11:33.29), Jon Eastwood (men 43-38, 11th in 34:22.09), Emily King (women 43-38, 35th in 43:57.48), Kelly Markham (men 49-54, 16th in 36:09.58), Janice Hagan (women 49-54, 31st in 42:26.88), Deedee Friend (women 55-60, 36th in 45:41.26), Frederick Reed (men 61-66, 26th in 38:16.63), Paula Steele (women 61-66, 45th in 53:55.38) and Chris Friend (men 73-99, 43rd in 51:59.16.
For full results, visit www.runroanoke.com. More information on the race can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lexington/WoodsCreekTrailRun4theKids. You can also see photos and updates at https://www.facebook.com/RivenAlyssaFayeMedicalExpenses.
