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With its largest turnout since its inaugural year, the sixth annual Woods Creek Run 4 the Kids benefit race on May 11 successfully raised funds to benefit two local youths with cerebral palsy.
The race had a total of 93 registered runners and walkers, on race day and virtually, 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. Last year, there were 84 registered participants. The most ever, in the first year, was 120.
Pleased by the turnout, race director David Wells said, “I can’t thank our sponsors, volunteers, walkers, and runners enough for keeping the flame of this race alive.”
“Folks raced in large numbers in person and also virtually,” added Wells. He noted that Kameron Saalfrank, a Washington and Lee University junior, became the race’s first international virtual runner, finishing the race at the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.
The money raised from participants and sponsors, which totaled about $7,200 this year, helped cover intensive therapy costs for the two youths with cerebral palsy: 8-year-old Riven Welch and 14-year-old Alyssa Cornwell.
Two W&L fraternities made significant contributions. Pi Kappa Phi presented a large check for local youths who have cerebral plays to help with intensive therapies uncovered by insurance, and Phi Kappa Psi provided necessary tents in case of inclement weather.
After the race, the crowd enjoyed music by local band So Diverse and food provided by Sunrise BBQ.
Sam Allen, 47, won the race in 24 minutes, 41.65 seconds, setting a new course record. Placing second overall was the first female finisher, Olivia Warr, finishing in a women’s record time of 26:41.93.
Evan Roney, 19, a 2023 Rockbridge County High School graduate who runs for the men’s cross country and track and field teams at Rhodes College in Tennessee, placed third in 27:14.51. The third male finisher was Jacob Zimmerman, 23, placing fourth overall in 27:53.27.
The second female finisher was Audra Roney, 14, placing 23rd overall in 36:38.31. Finishing third among females was Zoe McGee, 33, coming in 25th overall in 37:04.65.
Age group winners were Will Ditzel (boys 12 and under, fifth in 28:21.9), Luke Eichholz (boys 13-18, seventh in 29:34.04), Christopher Lyman (men 19-24, 12th in 31:46.73), Jamie Palacio (women 19-24, 30th in 39:12.29), Sarah Patterson (women 25-30, 48th in 51:40.73), Michael Poole (men 31-36, 16th in 33:54.26), Amanda McCaleb (women 31-36, 63rd in 1:24:41.68), Blake Shester (men 37-42, eighth in 29:40.41), Rachel Braun (women 37-42), 45th in 48:17.54), Justin Clement (men 4348, sixth in 28:32.49), Maggie Wilson (women 43-48, 32nd in 39:35.76), Steve Smith (men 49-54, 28th in 38:25.19), Tina Suter (women 49-54, 39th in 43:49.43), Kelly Markham (men 55-60, 34th in 40:21.78, Deedee Friend (women 55-60, 40th in 44:21.74), Frederick Reed (men 61-66, 21st in 36:15.44), Mary Hall (women 61-66, 46th in 48:43.15), Steven Donald (men 67-72, 27th in 37:35.91) and Chris Friend (men 70 and over, 52nd in 55:17.03).
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.
