Inaugural Young Life 5K Draws 60

The inaugural Young Life Rockbridge County 5-kilometer run/walk on the morning of Sept. 28 welcomed more than 60 participants, raising $12,700 to support the local Young Life ministry.

Josh Holton, race director and Young Life Rockbridge County area director, said the money raised “is a critical piece of funding for the work we do in the local middle schools, high school and Washington and Lee University.”

Holton said the event, sponsored by Welsh Construction, helped the local ministry Holton said the event, sponsored by Welsh Construction, helped the local ministry “do the work of introducing students to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.”

After several days of rain, runners and walkers enjoyed sunny and cool weather.

Winning the hilly race, which started and ended at Jordans Point Park, going on the Woods Creek Trail, was Matthew Holton, 31, in 19 minutes, 17.95 seconds. Lukas Michael, 18, placed second in 20:33.81, and Parker Fountain finished third in 21:57.4. The first female finisher was Maria Jose Perez Aguirre, 19, placing 10th overall in 24:17.7. Jensen Helgerson, 24, finished second among females and 11th overall in 24:33.57, and Kate Scott, 20, came in third among females and 12th overall in 25:57.28.

Age group winners were Jacob Holton (men 19-29, eighth overall in 23:30.91), Katerina Fischer (women 19-29, 17th in 27:45.17), Jose Aguilar (men 30-39, 19th in 29:19.59), Brenda Tenorio (women 30-39, 25th in 33:31.69), Matthew Niebur (men 40-49, seventh in 23:29.25), Jennifer Hall (women 40-49, 20th in 29:55.44), George Holton (men 50-59, 48th in 1:03:25.31, Gina Wright (women 50-59, 38th in 47:43.33).

For full results and more information on the race, visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/VA/Lexington/YoungLifeRockbridge-County5kFunRun .