Tenth Annual Event Supports Main Street Lexington
The 10th annual Main Street Lexington Jingle Bell 5-kilometer and 1.5-mile fun run/walk welcomed 221 participants on Saturday morning, braving temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s. Following the races, there was a short tot trot that several children took part in.
This event, along with donations, raised funds for programs supported by Main Street Lexington, including the many free and family- friendly events they host. Main Street Lexington also uses these funds on infrastructure improvements and downtown beautification projects.
The runners and walkers came downtown, many wearing costumes, to take on the moderately hilly courses on the streets of Lexington. Volunteers were helpful by pointing the way and encouraging the racers. Both races started at 9 a.m., an hour earlier than the usual time, and through downtown Lexington, starting at the corner of Main and Nelson streets and ending at the Nelson Street bridge.
Pleased with the success of the event, race director Louise Uffelman said, “Despite the cold temps this year, we had a terrific turnout -- with lots of Christmassy-inspired costumes. With the Christmas parade, the Jingle Bell [races], and packing the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets all on the same weekend, Lexington’s holiday season was off to a roaring start.”
“Of course, it’s the volunteers for all these events that make them so successful, and I’m especially grateful to all those who helped hand out race packets, register participants, set up on race day, and direct runners on the route,” added Uffelman.
Happy with the event went, Main Street Lexington executive director Rebecca Logan said, “We are grateful for our Jingle Bell Run chair, Louise Uffelman, whose leadership is essential for the success of the event. We are also thankful for the many volunteers who help keep this a safe and fun experience for all!”
Winning the costume contest were The Ugly Sweaters. There were 171 participants in the 5K and 50 in the 1.5-mile run/walk. The winner of the 5K was Austin Molitor, 22, in 16 minutes, 38 seconds. Sam Allen, 48, placed second in 17:55.21, and Teddy Kavanagh, 19, finished third in 18:57.88.
Placing first among females was Cayce Friesenhahn, 35, finishing fifth overall in 20:28.28. The second female finisher was Molly Biggs, 21, placing 10th in 21:32.67. Sarah Lathrop, 22, placed third among females and 11th overall in 21:35.37.
Male age group winners were Will Ditzel (14 and under, 21:28.2), Samuel Mitten (15-19, 19:41.79), Burke Cigeieske (20-29, 22:30.83), Nick Allen (30-39, 21:16.48), Blake Shester (40-49, 20:42.98), Jon Eastwood (50-59, 22:39.01), Mark Cline (60 and over, 26:53.18) and Steven Donald (70 and over, 27:44.48).
Female age group winners were Sloane Reid (14 and under, 26:11.38), Sarah Donnelly (15-19, 26:23.04), Sophia Breschie (2029, 22:09.31), Jessica Raper (30-39, 25:14.06), Tracy Lyons (40-49, 32:08.08), Tracy Tucker (50-59, 23:52.2), Margaret Haberman (60-69, 30:09.72) and Sara Cunningham (70 and over, 31:18.55).
The winner of the 1.5-mile fun run/walk was Annabelle Hobbs in 13:31.7. Carolina Hobbs placed second in 13:52.89. Ford Lyons finished third and was the top male finisher in 14:17.43. Jesse Lyons was the second male finisher, placing fourth in 14:19.93, and Huston Sensabaugh was the third male finisher, placing fifth in 15:40.58. The third female finisher was Corri Sensabuagh, placing sixth in 16:08.79.
For full results from the races, visit www. runroanoke.com. For more on Main Street Lexington, visit www.mainstreetlexington. org.
