Feb. 1, 2009 — She didn't take home the title last year because she made an error running the course, but Ruth Ann David crossed the finish line first Sunday to take home the top spot in the 27th Annual Women's Jogger Jam.
Finishing with a time of 11:48 — more than a minute ahead of second-place finisher Jessica Chung — David said the annual event benefits a good cause and is a great way to get in shape.
"Well, last year I went the wrong way — the course is a bit shorter if you do that," she joked. "But the race this year was very nice — a little bit hotter than last year — but my daughter was out there with me, so I wanted to run and meet her at the finish line. It was a great race, and I praise God that I was able to make it and do the correct course."
The two-mile run — which takes participants around the Schneider Regional Medical Center for two laps to end up in the parking lot of Wheatley Shopping Center — raises money for the Family Resource Center, which maintains programs for victims of crime and individuals involved in family violence or crisis.
Along with whatever is raised through registration fees, the Fruit Bowl, which has sponsored the race for the past 25 years, donates $5 for each person who crosses the finish line. The St. Thomas Association of Road Runners (STAR) also receives a portion of the funds. STAR member Therese Hodge has helped organize the race for most of the past decade.
Women of all different ages run the race. Some participate every year while others, such as Laurie Jesner, turned out Sunday for the first time.
"The race was good," Jesner said. "I didn't expect the hills, but running downhill was great. I'm here to support the Family Resource Center, and I think it's great that the Fruit Bowl sponsors it every year. So I'm glad to be here today."
Ivanna Eudora Kean High School's JROTC battalion has made the Jogger Jam a team event for the past couple of years. With a showing of 25 participants Sunday, the group took home the team challenge award.
"We always enjoy coming out to this event — there's always a good turnout and everyone is very enthusiastic and ready to help out for a good cause," said Corelle Rogers, a JROTC member. "There are a lot more participants today than last year, so it's exciting. We're running every week for JROTC, so I think we're pretty prepared."
Others made the Jogger Jam into a family affair: Coming out Sunday with three generations represented was the Zachman family, starting with Audrey Zachman, 77, who is visiting the territory from Minnesota. Also running the course this year were sisters Janelle and Annette Zachman, along with Janelle's 5-year-old daughter, Haley Belcher.
Belcher took home the first-place trophy last year in the six years old and under category.
"Well our mom flew down from the States, and my sister happened to be here, so we decided to put three generations on the road," said St. Thomas resident Janelle Zachman. "We had a blast — it was a little hot, but we had a lot of water, so it was great. We exercise every day whether it's running or not, so we felt prepared for the race."
"The race was wonderful," Audrey Zachman said. "I'm just so happy I'm not out there shoveling snow."
This year's winners:
6 years old and younger: Jasmin Sinabella, 19:34
7 to 12 years old: Keshema Fleming, 16:22
13 to 18 years old: Jenella John, 14:56
19 to 29 years old: Leanna Hyacinth, 15:09
30 to 39 years old: Jessica Chung, 13:07
40 to 49 years old: Kim Russell, 13:16
50 to 59 years old: Mary Ellen Anton-Coles, 17:56
60 to 69 years old: Carole Goldberg, 18:37
70 and over: Vianthe Beynes, 31:28
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