Last year, Ruth Ann David said she didn’t do much to prepare for the annual Women’s Jogger Jam relay, but this year a little training put her at the front of the pack once again — and about 15 seconds ahead of her personal best on the course.
David crossed the finish line Sunday with a time of 11:33:12, about a minute ahead of second-place finisher Emily Menzen, who came in with a time of 12:56. David, a fitness trainer, said her desire to shave at least 30 seconds off last year’s record pushed her to ramp up her performance in the gym and everyday exercise activities.
"There was definitely some competition this year," she said later. "But I felt better this year with the training — before, it was like I was going in unprepared for the race."
While the course was smooth, and the bright and breezy weather made it a good day for the race, David said she really continues to come out every year to support the cause. Most of the proceeds from the annual Jogger Jam, now in its 28th year, go to the Family Resource Center, which David said helps support single moms like her.
"They play an important role in the community," David said, as she ran back to the course to run down with her daughter Shaiah. Channeling her mom’s energy, five-year-old Shaiah David finished second in the six-and-under category, with a time of 25:02.
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 — drew close to 300 women this year, a figure Fruit Bowl owner Marty Goldberg hopes to double next year.
"Every year there’s something else going on — this year it’s the Super Bowl," he joked. "But we would definitely like to get 500 to 600 women out here, running with us. It really benefits a great organization, and it’s definitely a fun event. We’re really happy to be a part of it."
Half of the registration fees raised go toward the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR), which organizes the race. The other half goes to the Family Resource Center, and the Fruit Bowl — which sponsors the annual event — also donates $5 for every woman that crosses the finish line.
Last year, the race raised about $3,500, Goldberg said.
Runners also got a reusable Fruit Bowl grocery bag and T-shirt, and were able to cool down after the race with fresh slices or oranges or watermelon while organizers tallied the results. While many familiar faces come out Sunday, there were a few new ones — including a set of cheerleaders from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, who got out their pom-poms and applauded competitors from the sidelines as they finished the race.
Goldberg credited Therese Hodge, the roadrunners’ main organizer, with really taking control of the race and turning it into what it is today.
"She does just about everything," he said. "It’s because of STAR that this has become a really nice event for the community, for the women and their families. I mean, we’ve had girls as young as four years old and women in their 80s compete — it’s a great event."
This year’s winners are:
Team Challenge: Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church (20 participants)
School: Addelita Cancryn Junior High School (33 participants)
Six and Under:
First – Elisha Sydney (22:34)
Second – Shaiah David (25:02)
Third – Ana Jayne Parfitt (25:29)
Seven to 12 Years:
First – Allison Bartsch (17:00)
Second – Akeiba Barnard (19:29)
Third – Mik’halia George (19:55)
13 to 18 Years:
First – Heather Sprauve (18:08)
Second – Henny Russelle (18:12)
Third – Melissa Van Dreson (18:45)
19 to 29 Years:
First – Emily Menzen (12:56)
Second – Hillary Jay (15:04)
Third – Stephanie Osborne (15:25)
30 to 39 Years:
First – Melissa King (13:43)
Second – Simina Van Clef (13:44)
Jessica Wagner (14:24)
40 to 49 Years:
First – Boel Merritt (15:16)
Second – Simone Francis (15:26)
Third – Monique Simon (21:11)
50 to 59 Years:
First – Gloria Salas-Lindquist (17:19)
Second – Sonia Boatwright (19:03)
Third – Gloria Salazar (19:35)
60 to 69 Years:
First – Carole Goldberg
Second – Joyce Glineiewiez (19:31)
Third – Cassandra Mallory (19:56)
70+ Years:
First – Ann Richards (23:19)
Second – V Ianthe Baynes (24:47)
Third – Diane Thomas (29:53)
