Saturday, May 25, 2013 -- Fairmont, WV
Running for Kids 5K - Boys & Girls Club of Marion County (iPO Event Id#: 14589)

[Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]
Coverage: [2012]

Helping the Boys & Girls Clubs

Story and photos by Don Parks.

Click image to see more photos by Don Parks

Overnight temperatures dipped into the low 30's, but by race time on Saturday the sun was bright, the air was calm, and the cool weather was a delight for runners and walkers.

They had all come out to participate in the Running for Kids 5K to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County. It was a festive atmosphere at Fairmont's Palatine Park as it was also the site for the annual Three Rivers Festival.

A quick hill got the racing started and the loop course had a few more hills to challenge the racers. A trio of Fairmont teens worked their way to the front early with Jacob Jacquez taking up the lead at about the half mile mark. A stumble at the two mile mark, that left his knees bloodied, slowed him down a bit but he held on to lead all the way to the finish.

Jacquez post a winning time of 18:09 with just a seven seconds to spare over second place finisher Michael Buonaiuto (18:16). Rounding out the top three was Matt Strand with a finishing time of 18:41.

Click image to see more photos by Don Parks

On the women's side, Kathryn Valentine of Rivesville led for much of the race but the young Leah Michael was waiting to make her move. Mannington's Michael ran the first two miles conservatively and was running in fourth place among the women. When she hit mile three she took it up a notch and recorded her fastest mile of the race. "I had to win," she said and win she did with a time of 23:34. Valentine easily held on for second place at 23:48.

In a battle for third it was Ashley Beever who emerged victorious with a time of 24:25.

A one mile event was also held and it was dominated by local Fairmont boys and girls. Thirteen year-old Trenton Duckworth was the first finisher with a time of 7:56. The next finisher, and first girl, was nine year-old Mia Abruzzina who finished at 8:27.

A fun day and holiday weekend as just beginning and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County wants to thank everyone who came out to support their cause. The Club's mission is to enable all young people, especially those that need it most. The Club helps youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The Club focuses on serving the most at risk children in the most at risk schools in the most at risk communities. Thanks again!