LOCK HAVEN - There were 77 participants in the fourth annual Run The River sponsored by the Lock Haven Area YMCA.
For the first two years the race was only a 5K run but is now both a 5K and 10K run, turning it into a friendly and competitive event.
Last year, the YMCA was awarded the Clinton County Economic Recreation and Tourism Grant in order to support the cost of the event and increased advertising to bring more tourism into the area.
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Eight children from Mooseheart, a Moose-supported school for orphans or children whose parents cannot care for them in Chicago, Ill., visited Lock Haven on Monday. After a breakfast at the Lock Haven Moose Lodge, the youth toured the Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven. This was included in a fun-filled few days in the state, including a visit to Knoebles Grove in Elysburg on Saturday and a meal from the Jersey Shore lodge Sunday. They were to go to Canton later Monday afternoon, and spend the rest of the week in Pittsburgh. Dominik Solis of Aurora, Ill., in the flight simulator in the museum with tour guide Russ Nelson.
Participants from outside of Clinton County made up 60 percent of those running and/or walking.
"Run the River is an event that focuses on the YMCA's areas of focus - healthy living, by offering an opportunity for people to get out and be active and offering healthy breakfast foods at the event; social responsibility, through tying the event into Riverfest weekend to help support other local community members and organizations and; youth development, by encouraging families to participate together whether they walk, jog, push strollers or bring grandma and grandpa. It is event that I am really proud of because of its wholesome nature," stated program director Melissa Dally.
It is really important to the YMCA to see more people being fit and active, Dally said, noting that one of the area's brides-to-be, Laura Duff, was out getting some exercise with two of her bridesmaids before exchanging vows with the lucky groom later that afternoon.
The bride and two from her bridal party left Hanna Park at 9:30 a.m. after completing the race with 30 minutes to spare before their 10 a.m. hair appointment. The "running bridal party" was definitely one of the highlights of the day.
The YMCA would like to thank everyone who came out and participated or encouraged the runners and walkers.
Program coordinator Morgan Cummings said the event would not be possible without the generous support of other organizations and community members, including Dr. Carson Brown II, DDS and Hannah Electric/Tri-M Group, LLC as our gold sponsors. Weis Markets, Sheetz, and Woolrich, Inc are also supportive of this event.
The YMCA has countless volunteers who donate their time and effort in facilitating the event.
This year's winners are:
Female - 5K, Alicia McCormick; 10K, Aimee Reed.
Male - 5K, Brad Wertz; 10K, Caleb Liddick.
One of the competitors was Linda Welker, 56, of State College, who said she walks in two races every month. Asked what keeps her moving forward, she said, "I never look back and I promise myself I will finish every race."
And and that she did with a smile on her face!
