At Sunday’s Martin Luther King Jr. 5 Kilometer Walk/Run, conducted by the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR), Bill McConnell returned to lead the field he led in 2017, winning this time in 22:08.
Competitors Ben Rogers and Ben Uecker were the leading males in pursuit. In spite of a wrong turn that cost her valuable time, Valerie Washington was the winning female finishing in 27:51, ahead of Kerstin McConnell and Kirsty Llewellen. Strong representation from the very young came from Ajani Stapleton (8), Aden Staplelton (7) and Marcelino Nunez (6). Melissa King was the sole walker covering the 3.1- mile distance in a brisk 41:54. One-time winner of the Women’s Jogger Jam, unchallenged in her age group, finished strongly in 36:04. Running unofficially Ruth Ann and Shaiah David cruised near the front of the pack.
STAR’s next event is the Magens-Peterborg 10K scheduled for 7 a.m., Feb. 3, directed by Therese Hodge. This will be followed by the Therapy Works Lovers Lane 2 lapper on Feb. 9, which will feature group stretching and health awareness activities. Contact Therapy Works at 779-4678 for more information on this event.
Excitement is building in anticipation of the 2019 Women’s Jogger Jam, now in its 37th year, on Feb. 10. Organizers are preparing for an event that will reach a goal of 500 women participating this year. Congregations, clubs, work colleagues and social groups are challenged to join together in camaraderie for this historic event.
For more information about the Women’s Jogger Jam, contact Therese Hodge at 775-6373. Complete results of the MLK Jr, 5K follows below. STAR’s Spring 2019 schedule can be seen on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stthomasassociationofroadrunners
Complete Results by Finishing Time (3.1 miles):
1. Bill McConnell 22:08
2. Reginald Rogers 27:47
3. Valerie Washington 27:51
4. Ben Uecker 27:07
5. Fay Hsu 27:37
6. Kerstin McConnell 29:51
7. Edwardo Carmona 30:00
8. Kirsty Llewellyn 30:40
9. Ajani Stapelton 34:34
10. Clinton Stapelton 34:35
11. Tonia Stapelton 35:38.6
12. Aden Stapelton 35:38.7
13. Vince Nunes 35:50
14. Marcelino Nunes 35:51
15. Carole Goldberg 36:04
16. Chin Uecker 37:35
17. Brenda Walwyn 38:00
18. Jami Pfister 40:21
19. Rasjahel Escobar 41:29
*Walking: Melissa King 41:34
