Saturday, August 25, 2007 -- Uniontown, PA
National City© Main Street Classic (iPO Event Id#: 10073)

2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Coverage: [2005] [2006]

City Hopes to Grow it's Annual Event

Story by Julie Black, photos by Maria af Rolén

Main street photo by Maria af Rolen

The National City© Main Street Classic has been holding steady at 75 plus participants during the last three years. The money raised goes to the City Mission - Living Stones Inc., a nonprofit homeless program in Uniontown, PA.

Rev. Alfred Thompson, chairman of City Mission, "I would like to see the numbers raise hopes of raise at least $5,000 to assist the homeless." Thompson said to reporter Shannon Farr of the Daily Courier. "This is one of the shelter's biggest fundraisers and it depends on the money to run." he added.

They are the only shelter in Fayette County.

Residents of Living Stones eventually transition (with help from their other services) into The Gallatin School Living Center, a 30-unit housing and service complex that provides City Mission clients with safe and affordable long-term housing along with on-site support services says the Daily Courier.

The race happens to fall on the same day as one of Morgantown, WV's largest event for runners and locals, The Sprint, Splash 'n Spin Triathlon. This event attracts 100's of Morgantowners, potential Main Street participants for sure. The Run with the Law in Kingwood, WV (a Morgantown Area Grand Prix series event), took place Sunday hosting its own 60 plus racers. With gas prices as high as they are racers seem to be forced to pick and choose their races more wisely.

There's no doubt that the goal of Uniontown's Main Street Classic is a good one and many returning local PA runners and walkers attest to that, but to help the event grow in size might a new date be considered? (Share your thoughts in an e-mail if you like.)

Main street photo by Maria af Rolen

Brian Suter, of nearby Connellsville, PA took first overall in 19:23 improving from his 2nd place 2006 finish. Bob Costello, almost twice Suter's age and also of Connellsville, took 2nd in 20:06. Jesse Irwin rounded out the men's overall top spots 7 seconds behind Costello in 3rd.

Cassie Wallace, 17 years young, made a great showing taking 6th overall to dominate the women's top spot in 21:30. Alexandria Bryant traveled down from Latrobe, PA to claim 2nd in 22:52 and Tiffany Blosser of Fairchance, PA finished 3rd (24:10).

Jim French of Smithfield, PA finished 1st in the 5K Walk in 28:48. Jamie Brooks took 3rd overall and 1st for the women in 29:16.

Thanks to all who came out to race. The City Mission is working towards a goal of $5,000 or more to help local disadvantaged families and individuals.

To donate, please mail to: City Mission - Living Stones Inc.
155 N. Gallatin Ave. Uniontown, PA 15401