Earlier this month the second annual “Run for our Youth” was held to benefit the Tyrone track and field and cross country programs.
Events for the day included a 10K run, 5K run/walk, “Run for the Gold” youth one mile race and a kids’ .25 Mile Run (400 meters) and lollipop fun run.
Races were divided into age categories as well as male and female divisions.
The start and finish was located at the Tyrone Area High School.
The “Run for the Gold” youth one mile race commemorates “Emily Ingle Day”. Emily is the only female athlete from Tyrone to win a gold medal at the state level in any sport. This race was for youth under 18 years of age. It was a one mile run, or four laps around the track.
In the 5K run, the overall female winner was Andi Wall (20-29) of State College with a time of 20:28. The overall male winner was Richard Stever (15-19) of Tyrone with a time of 18:08.
Awards were also given to the top finishers in seven different age categories, 14 and under; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59 and 60 plus.
On the female side, Alyssa Brisbin of Tyrone finished first in the 14 and under age group with a time of 28:32. Other top finishers for their age group included: Christina Daugherty (15-19), Tyrone, 28:24; Molly Ritter (20-29), State College, 20:47; Kristen Hawley (30-39), Watervliet, NY, 25:17; Christine Borst (40-49), Petersburg, 25:24; Joyce Zolten (50-59), Warriors Mark, 38:26. There were no competitors in the 60 plus age group.
For the men, Devon Wiser of Warriors Mark finished with a time of 22:07, the best in the 14 and under age group. The other top male finishers were: Joseph Shuster (15-19), Tyrone, 25:49; Robby Okonak (20-29), Tyrone, 21:50; Tracy Vipond (30-39), Tyrone, 20:55; Dan Ingle (40-49), Tyrone, 23:19; William Maguire (50-59), Gallitzin, 25:50 and Bill Harshman (60+), Tyrone, 28:45.
In the 10K run, the overall female winner, with a time of 45:55, was Annie Brewer (30-39) of Port Matilda. On the men’s side, the top finisher was Doug Hoover (30-39) of Williamsburg with a time of 41:07.
Other 10K winners in their age groups included: Ellice Steidle (20-29) of Huntingdon, 49:57; Amy Prokop (30-39) of Huntingdon, 49:01; Amy Brisbin (40-49) of Tyrone, 59:01; Doug Perry (30-39) of State College, 45:39 and Matt Smith (40-49) of State College, 44:22.
Following the 5 and 10K races, the children’s events were well attended and organizers were excited as the purpose is to try to introduce kids to running, exercise and healthy lifestyles at an earlier age. And, hopefully some will carry that onto high school and the track and cross country programs.
Organizers would like to thank everyone who participated and those everyone who helped make this a successful event, including the sponsors.
This year’s race sponsors include: Spring Ridge Club; Molly’s Manicures and More; Drayer Physical Therapy Institute; G&R Excavating and Demolition; The Printers; Natural Gains; The Shoe Box; Albemarle; Sammy’s Smoke House BBQ; American Eagle Paper Mills; Marianna’s Fundraisers; Endurance Athletics; Ray Burial Vault Company; Northern Blair County Rec Center; The Family Clothesline; Wertz Landscaping, Inc.; Reliance Bank; DeHaas Building, Inc.; New Balance; Bull Pen; Kelly C. Wike; Steve Seltzer Honda; Ferguson Pest Conrol; Mayes Memorials; Healthy Alternatives; Galen and Karen Gilliland and Connie L. Espy.
Also, Scents of Life; Sheetz; Subway; Gardner’s Candy; Burger King; Logan Beverage; Silver Screen Video and Martin Foods.
