LULING — Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers participated recently, in the 17th annual United Way of St. Charles 5K/10K Bridge Run/Walk sponsored by Norco Manufacturing Complex and Valero.
“We are incredibly excited with this year’s Bridge Run attendance, about a 40 percent increase over last year. We truly appreciate the flexibility and patience of all participants and thank them for allowing us to accommodate the 300-plus runners who registered the morning of the event. Our first-ever commemorative medals were a race favorite. Due to their popularity, this year’s trial program will be greatly expanded for next year’s event,” stated John Dias, United Way of St. Charles executive director.
Ian Carr was the first to finish the 5K race with a 16:22 time. Joining Carr in the 5K men’s division top three were Bryce Robinson and Harry Wiggins.
Charlotte Werhan took first place in the 5K women’s division with a time of 19:27. Khanh Le and Monica Embers placed second and third.
Winners of 10K event were Jacob Schrieffer in the men’s division with a time of 38:11 and Angela King in the women’s division with a time of 47:55.
Bill Phelps and Linda Hemberger placed as the overall race walkers. To view a complete list of the award winners, visit www.uwaysc.org. The race winners took home engraved UWSC Bridge Run awards.
Anytime Fitness took home the coveted award for most participants, with 336 team members.
“The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful and served as the perfect setting for our new 10K route. I encourage anyone to participate in the event just to take advantage of the beauty St. Charles Parish has to offer,” stated Bridge Run Coordinator Tamara Plattsmier.
In addition to the race, United Way featured a “Workout Wear Contest” for most creative individual and group costumes. Winners of the individual competition were Kerry Cranford and son Bentley for “Daddy and Me.” Group costume winners were Nora Laiche, Nannah Guin, and Kennilyn Schmill of the “Gators.”
Participants were provided with post-race entertainment including live music by Reese Chaisson, crafts, massages and much more.