Saturday, August 22, 2009 -- Uniontown, PA / Storey Square
Main Street Classic 5K Run/Walk for the Homeless (iPO Event Id#: 11283)

2009: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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Generosity Abounds in Uniontown

Article and photos by Theresa Svoboda

There was beautiful running weather and plenty of athletes turned up to enjoy it for Uniontown, Pennsylvania's Main Street classic, held on August 22nd. Raising funds for the homeless, the race had 155 participants show up for a good cause.

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A cool pre-race vibe was set thanks to a local radio station cranking out the tunes. Folks had time before the race to win donated gifts on a prize wheel sponsored by Pickle 99.3, the premier station for oldies. Race volunteers did a great job leading people over to a table loaded with baskets of donated prizes, where they could purchase tickets for the basket raffle drawn at the end of the day.

The start of the race was Storey Square, a newly designed plaza and ampitheatre that hosted cafe style seating for spectators. I enjoyed listened to the fans who cheered along the runners looping past the Square two times during the 5k, all while surfing the net.

Raymond Worrell, a seasoned runner with years of race experience set a swift pace this year, finishing the 5k with the fastest time of 17 minutes, 50 seconds. Worrell, among others fortunate to have a flat course and a break from humidity on race day, appreciated the cheers. Jonathan Rohlf took second, closely pacing the leader with a time of 18:35. Loud cheers greeted local winner, Anthony Cecchini. The 17 year old Uniontown native came in 3rd overall, running a 6 minute pace (18:45 at finish).

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Jennifer Hoffman, 1st place women's winner, crossed the finish line 10th overall, coming in at 20:12. Debbie Conner, a runner from Dunbar, followed Hoffman for second in 20 minutes, 12 seconds.

Special kudos to third place women's winner, Julie Friend, a 14 year old who represented (!), not only by her run time of 22:40, but by sticking around cheering for all the 5K participants as they crossed the line. Friend's spirit was contagious. As Jim French, the first walker, crossed the line to his time of 27:03, spectators and fellow racers were loudly cheering and clapping for all who came behind him.

Generosity abounds when people know their donation directly improves their communities quality of life. Thanks to all who donated their time, thanks to the volunteers who helped the race run smoothly and thanks to all who participated. This years Run for the Homeless was a great success!