By Colt Langley/managing editor
First place in the women’s race was Alison Morton.
“You come out here and give canned goods. It’s not just for yourself,” she said. “It makes you feel better.”
Christina Fort, who placed second, said she has a passion for running.
“I’m excited to place second. I didn’t beat my goal time of 26 [minutes]. I had 26:35,” she said. “The only reason I can run is because I joined the Arlington Striders. I met all my friends there and encourage others to do it. Everyone starts at square one.”
Krysta Brewer, who finished third, enjoyed how the race helped promote charity.
“I was proud of myself. It was fun,” she said. “I think this is cool what they’re doing, donating food to the less fortunate.”
Luis Suarez came in first for the men with a time of 17:45.
“I just love to run. It’s relaxing for me and gets me into my state of mind,” he said.
Just one minute and one second behind Suarez was Michael Fitzpatrick, who was enticed to participate for his grades.
“I do this regularly. I’m in a Concepts of Health class, and I get extra credit for being here, so that also motivated me,” he said. “Also, I think it’s fun to run with my peers I go to school with.”
Coming in third for the men was Will McManus.
“I was just coming out here to support the running club,” he said. “I figured I’d also come out to lose some calories before Thanksgiving.”
Another student, Chére Loris, was happy to help with the charity but said she was not interested in a prize.
“If it were a live turkey, I would run. But since it’s a packaged, dead one, I’m just going to walk,” she said.
“If it was a bottle of Wild Turkey they were giving away, I’d run my ass off.”
HPE instructional associate Laura Bradford planned most of the event.
“To be honest, the turnout was a bit smaller [than last year], but the energy was great,” she said. “The weather has just been gorgeous, and I think everyone enjoyed it.”
