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The 10th annual Main Street Lexington Jingle Bell 5-kilometer and 1.5-mile fun run/walk welcomed a record turnout of about 350 people to the streets of Lexington on Saturday morning.
The event, along with donations, raised funds for programs supported by Main Street Lexington, including the candlelight processional, the Christmas parade, Love Lex Lotto, Rockbridge Christmas Baskets, the July 4 bike parade, Rock the Bridge and various beautification projects such as the Triangle Gateway Garden Renovation. Main Street Lexington also uses these funds on infrastructure improvements, including downtown beautification and wayfinding signage.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Louise Uffelman, who joined Paige Gance in directing the event, said, “I am thrilled by the number of folks who came out for the race. It’s our largest turnout ever, and we had a huge number of W&L students participate, many wearing festive costumes. I think it ran incredibly smoothly, thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and the Lexington Police Department and Public Works.”
After rainy weather on Friday, the runners and walkers came out, many wearing costumes, to take on the moderately hilly courses on the streets of Lexington, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 50s. Volunteers were helpful by pointing the way and encouraging the racers. Both races went through downtown Lexington, starting at the corner of Main and Nelson streets and ending at the Nelson Street bridge.
Winning the costume contest for the sixth consecutive year were members of the Lexington chapter of Team Red, White and Blue, joined by several visitors from Charlottesville. They were dressed as characters from the “Frozen” movies. Team RWB, a national organization, has a mission of enriching the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
There were 254 participants in the 5K and about 100 in the 1.5-mile run/walk.
The winner of the 5K was Garrison Famiglio, 20, in 17 minutes, 2.83 seconds. Dan Baur, 37, placed second in 17:17.47, and Teddy Kavanagh, 18, finished third in 17:27.63.
The top female finisher was Amy Lowenthal, 67, placing 18th overall in 21:13.28. Placing second among females and 20th overall was Cynthia Campbell-Spangler, 45, in 21:22.83. Finishing third among females and 26th overall was Emily King, 41, in 22:46.71.
Male age group winners were Oscar McClung (14 and under, 18:42.27), Teddy Kavanagh (15-19, 17:27.63), Ben McClure (20-29 20:57.53), Dan Baur (30-39, 17:17.47), Sam Allen (40-49, 17:36.04), Joseph Guse (50-59, 23:22.11), Steven Donald (60-69, 25:23.42) and Brian Campbell (70 and over, 28:59.57).
Female age group winners were Charlie Daniel (14 and under, 24:56.33), Jordan Kach (15-19, 23:20.68), Caroline Linen (20-29, 23:02.52), Ronella Daniel (30-39, 24:57.37), Cynthia Campbell-Spangler (40-49, 21:22.83), Laura Pearson (50-59, 26:31.75) and Jill Campbell (60-69, 27:46.24).
For full results from the races, visit www.runroanoke.com. For more on Main Street Lexington, visit www.mainstreetlexington.org.
