Young runners flock to Patriots Park for Spring Jingle
Runners leave the starting line during the 11th Annual Spring Jingle Road Race.
Photo by Donnie Fetter
Dozens of children tested their leg power March 20 in the 11th Annual Spring Jingle Road Race at Patriots Park.
More than 70 boys and girls raced in the event that features a one-mile and two-mile race.
The Spring Jingle offered young runners, ages 5-14, an opportunity to compete in a fun atmosphere while developing a lifelong habit of keeping fit, race co-coordinator Buddy Satcher said.
"If they can learn to enjoy running, it's a great way for them to stay lean in a nation that's getting fatter and fatter," said Satcher, a one-time triathlete and former director of Health Central.
The racetrack circumnavigated Patriot Park's soccer fields as many parents ran with their children while others cheered them on from the sidelines as they headed toward the finish line.
"I run for the cheers," 13-year-old two-mile race winner Andy Grey said. "There's nothing like it."
Andy posted a time of 12:34 to easily win in his age group, 12-13 year olds.
Race categories varied by age and gender.
The overall winner of the one-mile race, with a time of 6:32, was 9-year-old John Bruni of Evans.
"My mom got me into running," he said.
"His P.E. teacher (at Greenbrier Elementary School) told us that he was very fast," John's mother, Chantey Upton, said. "We wanted to keep encouraging him to do that because it's a great sport."
Race Results
Here are the winners of the Spring Jingle races:
One-mile, girls: Age 5-6 - Reagan Salvador, first, Bailey Rhodes, second, Mary William Showman, third. Age 7-8 - Shanice Andrew, first, Sarah Bowler, second, Cat Pringle, third. Age 9-10 - Leah Haney, first, Lauren Hefferman, second, Carson Crowley, third.
One-mile, boys: Age 5-6 - Christian Bowles, first, Patrick Skelton, second, Conner Morningstar, third. Age 7-8 - Colin Johnston, first, Adam Johnson, second. Age 9-10 - John Bruni, first, Jordon Westover, second, Devonte Daniels, third.
Two-mile, girls: Age 9-10, Morgan Tuschen, first, Christy Shay, second. Age 11-12 - Anna Books, first, Brit Venatta, second, Sarah Boalat, third. Age 13-14 - Kelsey Davis, first, Jessica Affino, second.
Two-mile, boys: Age 5-6 - Logan Hughes, first. Age 7-8 - Thomas Warren, first. Age 9-10 - Matt Tuschen. Age 11-12 - Ty Hall, first, Conner Crowley, second, Austin Smith, third. Age 13-14 - Andy Grey, first.