Annual Run for the Red attracts more than 1,500

By Spc. Christopher T. Grammer, 50th PADSeptember 3, 2009

RUN FOR RED
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - More than 1,500 runners and walkers turned out Aug. 22 as the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross held the third annual Run for the Red Saturday in downtown Fayetteville.

The race was broken up into three events, including the 2009 Road Runners Club of America 10-kilometer North Carolina State Championship.

The race was delayed by 15 minutes to ensure that the high number of runners were able to register in time to participate.

"The turnout was better than last year and it gets better every year," said Tony Chavonne, mayor of Fayetteville.

At 7:45 a.m., the runners participating in the 10 kilometer event took off down the roads of downtown Fayetteville.

Finishing first overall in the male category was Ryan Woods with a time of 23 minutes,

39 seconds. First in the female category was Kalynn Waltrip who finished the 10-kilometers in 44:42.

The five-kilometer race kicked off at 7:50 a.m., and saw its first participant cross the finish line after only 16 minutes. Orinthal Striggles, a clinical counselor for the South Carolina Department of Health, won first place in the male category for the five kilometer race with a time of 16:40.

Winning the female category was Phyliss Armour who finished in 17:51.

"It's a very nice course, a nice race and I hope to see it grow," said Striggles.

The final event was the Discover Fayetteville one mile fun walk where individuals and Families were able to bring their kids or walk their dogs as they showed their support for the Red Cross and its humanitarian efforts.

Aside from the competitive atmosphere of the race, the participants were able to enjoy the satisfaction of assisting a cause. All the proceeds from the race went to the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross to fund its humanitarian efforts in the event of natural disasters.

"The Red Cross is always doing good things," said Striggles. "That's what it's all about, if you're not running for a cause other than yourself, then it's all for nothing."

Before the presentation of the awards, Mayor Chavonne proclaimed Aug. 22 as Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross Rock 'N Run Fest Day in honor of the good works of the Red Cross.

"It's a wonderful event for a very worthwhile cause," said Chavonne. "In case of a hurricane, the Red Cross is the first to get there with food and medical supplies."

After all the runners had finished the race the awards were presented to the winners of each event and the walkers were presented with a medal for their

participation.