Run to Africa Race Report

The First Annual "Run To Africa" 5K was held on Saturday, April 28.? About 70 runners turned out to help raise donations for Doctors without Borders, an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries. The race began at 9:00 a.m. as temperatures began to climb. 20 Year old Matt Welch pulled away from the field early in the race and was never challenged on his way to a 19:50 finish. Andy Nall finished second in 21:02. Pine Belt Pacers' own Nestor Anzola finished 5th over all and was the Masters winner. Renee Hrapman was the first female finisher with a time of 25:43. Lar Wong finished in 31:22 to take the top Masters Female spot. This was a fine "first time" race: good support, lots of food and music, nice tee-shirts and ice cold smoothies from Smoothie King to go with the bagels from SouthBound Bagels. The Pine Belt Pacers timed and scored the race. See results.

Dow Ford setting up race clock	Nester preparing to run	Pre-race instructions	Race organizers
It was a nice warm day for the first edition of the Run to Africa. The students of the USM Roots & Shoots Chapter did a great job organizing such event. In addition, Pacers Dow and Renee Ford gave them a lot of support and advice during the race. There were a lot of volunteers, music, food, beverages and the favorite one, COFFEE of course!!! Yeah! - The course went through the streets of the USM Campus; it was a little long, but it was nice and challenging. This old guy had to battle the 3.2 miles with a large group of early-twentysomething guys. I kept running with them for the first 2 miles, but then I could not hold it anymore, and I gave up at the end (It is getting really hot to run! I am seriously thinking even about quitting the run activities for the rest of the spring and summer periods). Anyway, I finished in 22:15, good enough to get the medal to the top fortysomething-and-over guy. Thanks Terry, Keith, Mike, Richie, Steve, Phillip, Charles, and all other fast "contemporaneous" Pacers for running in other towns or staying at home sleeping! . Add this race to your calendar next year. We need to support the local events!! © Pijume Diwesi Pic1: Pine Belt Pacers Dow and Renee Ford did a great job helping the organizers! Pic2: USM Roots & Shoots members ready to run! Pic3: A great first time event Pic4: Ready, set,...... Pic5: The fastest of the oldest guys Pic6: Renee waiting to time some walkers Pic7: 5K First Overall, Matt Welch Pic8: 5K Female winner, Renee Hrapman Pic9: 5K Second overall, Andy Nall Pic10: First place, 60 and over, Rafael and Pat Sanchez Pic11: Final words Pic12: Runners after the race

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