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Saturday, August 18, 2012 -- Uniontown, PA / Storey Square, Main Street
Main Street Classic 5K Run/Walk for the Homeless (iPO Event Id#: 13888)

2012: [Details] [Coverage] [Photos] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

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A Tight Race in the Town of Union

Article and photos by Theresa Svoboda.

Main Street Classic 5K Photo
Photo by Theresa Svoboda
The cool, misty morning was welcome weather for runners and walkers that came to Storey Square for the Main Street Classic 5k Run and Walk that took place on Saturday, August 18th.

The annual race brought over 150 participants, who came out to challenge themselves and support the homeless and needy of Fayette County.

With good weather never a guarantee, racers and runners come year after year for all different reasons, and its certainly uplifting to get a crowd to support a cause that benefits the local residents. City Mission-Living Stones, Inc. volunteers work year-round to make this a successful and organized event, and every year seems to outshine the last.

Main Street Classic 5K Photo
Photo by Theresa Svoboda
Spectator Theresa Edenfield, who was cheering for her son, was spotted excitedly making her choices for the Chinese Auction, which included amazing donations of daylong pampering sessions at the spa and highly sought after autographed Steeler memorabilia. As the racers lined up, the sun started peeking out of the clouds, the racers anticipation could be felt. Challenging looks were being shot back and forth and competition for the treasured first place was going to be tough, or so it seemed.

Looking back in the books, this years winner claimed the title of 1st place by setting a course record. Runner Brent Lopick, of Pittsburgh came through the finish line in just 16:58, crushing his previous performances. He was so fast, there isn't a picture of him with both feet on the ground. Great job!

Main Street Classic 5K Photo
Photo by Theresa Svoboda
The real battle came to the last turn for 2nd and 3rd place, where Nate Edenfield, just 16 years old was right beside Matt Girod. Girod came in just a shoelace ahead at 18:47.3, with Edenfield finishing at 18:47.5. Proof that you have to fight til the end!

The first woman to cross the finish line was Dana Newlin, running almost two minutes ahead of her counterparts, too, with a finish of 20:36. She was followed by local Keli DeCarlo at 22:27, and in third place, Sharon Campbell, at 22:30. Notable winners of their classes: Jeff Efaw, who also dominated his category, racing in 19:59.

The boys 15-19 grouping was interesting, while winner Anthony Speeney came in first at 20:25, brothers Ian and Alec Sunyecz followed closely in second and third place.

Main Street Classic 5K Photo
Photo by Theresa Svoboda
The final nail-biting moment was watching the under 14 year old division race to the finish. Blake Ashcraft garnered first place at 21minutes and 41 second, followed by Tyson Boller. These two are certainly setting the pace for the up and comers of their generation.

The word is out on this event, as race participation has doubled in just 3 short years. Uniontown, it seems, has a dedicated population.

Vince Roskovensky from Moon, PA claims it's a family affair. "I come back for this race every year. I come home, and I wouldn't miss it." From the smile on son Tyler's face, and the crowd of his hometown fans, he's got good reasons to keep this event on track for success year after year.