Oct. 14, 2001 – In spite of early morning rain and the threat of storms for the rest of the day, 19 runners appeared in the drizzle for the 20th running of the Founders Day 5-Kilometer Run. The course from Fort Christian to the University of the Virgin Islands was wet all the way, but Ruth Ann David led the pack with a very good finishing time of 19 minutes 58 seconds.
She was followed by Maurice Kurg, who led the men with a time of 20:39. Brandon Johnson (21:37) and Lucien Wallace (22:02) followed him for second and third places for the men, while Melinda Astran (22:34) and Grace Tuma (22:53) were the other top finishing women.
In 1982, a similar-size group ran the race that led to the formalizing of the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners. Two of the STAR founders, Wayne Frederick and Roy Watlington, were on hand to award Sunday's ribbons to winners. Other charter members such as Therese Hodge, Frank Jackson, Craig Marek and Genevieve Plunkett participated Sunday as runners or volunteers.
Proceeds from Sunday's race and cash donations made by the participants will be contributed to the September 11th Fund through the United Way of St. Thomas/St. John. STAR invites those who were chased away by the rain to make donations directly to the United Way. A complete list of finishers follows.
For more information call Roy Watlington at 777-8183.
Women
Ruth Ann David, 19:58
Melinda Astran, 22:34
Grace Tuma, 22:53
Stephanie Freihertz, 24:15
Kristy Aitken, 26:28
Carrie Gatlin, 31:31
Margot Murray, 31:41
Debbie Davis, 33:50
Men
Maurice Kurg, 20:39
Brandon Johnson, 21:37
Lucien Wallace, 22:02
Frank Jackson, 22:20
Brad Kappel, 23:14
Jim Day, 24:14
Harold Phelps, 24:17
Roi Simmonds, 24:47
Niles Persall, 25:31
Craig Marek, 31:47
Matt Davis, 33:51
