Image: (Pictured, from left): Brandi Moody, Jenna Lewis, Reece Gardner, Roger Rich, Todd Coleman, Brycen Sutton, Gary Austin
Approximately 100 participants showed up for the inaugural “Running With Rich” 3K Fun Run Thursday evening on the campus of Southside High School.
“This is a great event to kick off back to school time and to get in a little exercise, plus we wanted to make it fun,” said Jody Smotherman, Vice President of Community Engagement with White River Medical Center. “Mr. Rich is a great sport.” White River Health Systems (WRHS) was a major sponsor of the event.
Superintendent of Southside School District, Roger Rich, was the man of honor. The runners gave him a 400-meter head start because he “is getting a little older.” However, it was not enough to set the pace of the fun run.
Gary Austin outstretched all participants and finished the 1.864 miles in 11:20 and took the top prize. Finishing in the top three for the men were Brycen Sutton and Todd Coleman respectively.
For the women, Southside Senior Reece Gardner set the pace. Brandi Moody and Jenna Lewis placed amongst the top three women.
The top finishers received a custom-engraved Running with Rich stainless cup. All runners and walkers that crossed end line received a finishers medal provided by WRHS.
“I’m glad we had such a great turnout for this fun run,” said Rich. “The real winners are the kids that will benefit from the money raised here tonight.” Participants donated a $10 race fee that will go to fund youth athletic programs at the school.
