LULING — Over 1,200 runners

and walkers participated in the 16th annual United Way of St. Charles 5K/10K Bridge Run/Walk sponsored by Norco Manufacturing Complex and Valero.

“We were excited to offer race participants the option of a 10K this year, in addition to the traditional 5K, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the feedback. The weather was beautiful and served as the perfect setting for our scenic race. We hear from many participants that the view from the Hale Boggs Bridge can’t be beat especially on a great day like this. I encourage anyone to participate in the event just to take advantage of the beauty St. Charles Parish has to offer,” stated John Dias, United Way of St. Charles executive director.

United Way of St. Charles Board of Directors President McKinley Day officially started the race at 8:30 a.m. Micah Tirop was the first to finish the 5K race with a 15:27 time. Joining Tirop in the 5K men’s division top three were Patrick Gavin and Matt Manning.

Sara Skotty from New Orleans took first place in the 5K women’s division for the fourth year in a row with a 17:50 time. Charlotte Everhardt and Megan Gohries placed second and third.

Winners of the first-ever 10K event were Adam Hoogewind in the men’s division with a time of 34:46 and Kate Accardo in the women’s division with a time of 41:00.

Aaron Boudreaux and Ruby Chaney placed as the overall race walkers. To view a complete list of the award winners, visit www.uway

sc.org. The race winners took home a combined prize money purse of $3,400.

In addition to the race, United

Way provided participants with post race entertainment including live music by Reese Chaisson, crafts, massages and much more. United Way of St. Charles also held a halfmile Fun Run for children 12 and under.

For more information about United Way of St. Charles and how you can live united, call 985-331-9063 or visit www.uwaysc.org.