Community Corner

Run for Fun Attracts 'Biggest Turnout Ever'

More than 300 runners participated in the Upper St. Clair race during Community Day.

More than 300 Upper St. Clair residents raced in Community Day's Run for Fun on Saturday morning.

"I'm ecstatic about the turnout. This is the best ever" said Heather Slinger, chair of the Run for Fun committee. 

"It's a lot more than we expected," said Parker Cahn, head of the Run for Fun student council committee.

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"Oh my gosh, huge turnout," said Janine Gross, a volunteer. "People wait to see what the weather is like before they register and the weather is just gorgeous today."

The 3.1 mile non-sanctioned race began and ended in the lower parking lot at the Stadium. The race attracted runners of all ages.

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"It's great to see all of these kids here with their families. We registered a couple seven-year-olds," said Artie Fink, a volunteer. "So many kids these days spend time in front of the TV and computer and this gets them away from that."

"I value getting outside and getting activity. This is truly one of my favorite community events," Slinger said.

After 17 minutes and 34 seconds, the first runner crossed the finish line. The rest of the participants started streaming in afterward. They said it was a very hilly course.

"I normally don't run distance," said Allison Muck, a senior at the high school who participates on the track team. "The hills were miserable, but going downhill was fun."

"I thought the hills were the hard part. I pushed myself." said Tim Leckenby, a sophomore at the high school.

A number of boys from the high school's swim team also took part in the race.

"Our coach encouraged us to run," said Nate Novak, a freshman at the high school. "I went in thinking it would be miserable, but I ended up liking it a lot."

After the race, participants enjoyed fruit, water and free massages.

"This race has really evolved. I'm so impressed with how organized it has become and it keeps getting better," Gross said.

Flip through the photos above to see the winners of the male and female divisions.


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