More than 100 participate in HDH Foundation 5K Family Fun Day Run/Walk

On an unseasonably cool morning that many participants described as “perfect racing weather,” more than 100 took part in the third-annual Highland District Hospital Foundation 5K Family Fun Day Run/Walk on Saturday.

The race started at 10 a.m. at the Rocky Fork State Park North Shore Activity Center near Hillsboro, and was followed by a free children’s race.

Samuel Mincey, of Washington C.H., was the first participant to cross the finish line with an impressive time of 17:42. Michele Haines, of Greenfield, finished the course in 24:25 and was the overall female winner.

“It was a great morning and we had outstanding weather for our Family Fun Day Run/Walk,” said HDH Foundation Director Cathy Jones.

“It was good to see everyone, and it was great to see so many young people who are embracing exercise and a healthy lifestyle.”

All proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a digital mammogram unit at Highland District.

“We’re getting closer and closer to meeting our goal,” Jones said. “We appreciate all the ongoing support the community has given us, and we’d like to thank everyone who helped sponsor this event and all the volunteers.”

Prizes were given to the winners of several age divisions for the runners and walkers.

In the male 15-and-under group, Nate Kiser finished first with a time of 27:35, followed by Jeffrey Beery (28:17), Owen Ryan (42:23) and Nathan Wetherington (44:35).

In the male 16-19 age group, Connor Ernst finished first with a time of 21:26.

In the female 16-19 age group, Tori Priest took first with a time of 32:29.

In the male 20-29 age group, Nathan Luke finished first with a time of 17:46, followed by Tyler Agenbroad (18:13), Paul Lennartz (19:10) and Neil Decker (21:10).

In the female 20-29 age group, Brianne Abbott was first with a time of 27:03, followed by Carrie Bohrer (30:02), Lindsey Bernard (35:56) and Devon Shoemaker (37:35).

In the male 30-39 age group, Paul Blevins finished first with a time of 20:33, followed by John Gilbert (23:03) and Jarrod Haines (24:17).

In the female 30-39 age group, Megan Abbott finished first with a time of 27:51, followed by Christy Roberts (28:08) and Amanda Couser (29:40).

In the male 40-49 age group, Doug Ernst took first place with a time of 21:16, followed by Jeff Beery (23:18) and Tim Kiy (26:02).

In the female 40-49 age group, Sharon Bick was first with a time of 26:17, followed by Ronda Hilderbran (26:38) and Tara Beery (28:18).

In the male 50-59 age group, Jim Patton was first with a time of 20:22, followed by Jeff Patton (24:08) and Tom Watts (25:58). Jim Patton was the overall winner of last year’s race with a time of 21:19.

In the female 50-59 age group, Michelle Patton was first with a time of 24:35, followed by Tina Roe (28:42) and Kay Gross (35:01).

In the male 60-and-over group, Bruce Davis was first with a time of 24:43.

In the female 60-and-over group, Susie Tabor was first with a time of 33:25.
Of the walkers, Terry Wheaton was the overall male winner with a time of 41:26, and Tara Watts was the overall female winner with a time of 41:35.

The Highland District Hospital Foundation was formed to build a bridge between the community and the hospital.

Its role is to encourage community involvement in the hospital’s future through financial support and to manage that support to the maximum benefit of the hospital and the people using its service.

The foundation is also raffling off a John Deere Gator that will be given away at the 2013 Holiday Ball on Dec. 14 at the Hillsboro Elks. The Gator served as the official “pace car” at the 5K run on Saturday.

Raffle tickets are $20 each, and are available from any HDH Foundation board member and at the HDH gift shop.

For more information about the HDH Foundation, annual Holiday Ball or the Gator raffle, email Cathy Jones at cjones@hdh.org, or give her a call at (937) 393-6360.