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Saturday, September 8, 2012 -- Charleroi, PA
Charleroi Federal Little Great Race (iPO Event Id#: 14301)

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

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Skibo and Timko Families Benefit from Charleroi

Story and Photos by Theresa Svoboda.

Charleroi Federal Little Great Race
Photo by Theresa Svoboda.
This September 8th, Charleroi Federal Little Great Race drew 755 runners and walkers to the scenic Mon Valley. Gray skies did not deter the racers, some who have entered the annual race every year for the last 26.

This is always a great opportunity for the community to pull together for health and fellowship that has such a tremendous impact on local families.

Aside from the two Adam Boyd $1,000 scholarships, the yearly profits from the Little Great Race have a big impact on two selected beneficiaries that are chosen in advance by the eleven member race committee.

This year The Skibo Family and The Timko Family were given the honor. Mr. Chad Skibo is a self employed concrete contractor who lost one leg and had sever injuries to the other in a tragic accident.Fortunately, the medical community at Allegheny General Hospital is helping him get his mobility back.

Charleroi Federal Little Great Race
Photo by Theresa Svoboda.
It is a long process, but definitely worth the hard work. His family will benefit greatly from the extra help. Rex Timko has a much different story. Rex was only a few years old when he started having seizures.

Now, at age 5, he is fighting a daily battle with Late Infantile Batten. The proceeds will help his family with the daily physical and occupational therapy he will need for the rest of his life. It is their greatest hope a cure can be found. Rex and Chad are an inspiration to us all and we wish them well.

Perhaps the cooler temps made it easier to put up a great time on the clock; this year had some fast finishers.

Setting a new course record, Roberta Groner from Irwin came in ten seconds faster than a record that had held up for sixteen years. Congratulations, Roberta, on your record time of 16 minutes and 53 seconds. Taking the overall spot is champion runner Brent Lopick, securing first place with a time of 16:06.

Charleroi Federal Little Great Race
Photo by Theresa Svoboda.
Steelton Flynn,23, followed in at 16:32; showing some great promise as an up and comer. Aaron Horvell was the third runner to finish, at 17:08.

Tammy Slusser ran the course in 18:52 to take second place for the women's division, with Christina Strelick right on her heels and crossing the line with 19:03 on the clock. Noteworthy finishes from 13 year old's Sarah Lucas, 22:12 and Christopher Montgomery 21:18, who took first in their divisions.Travis Conway, 16, is definitely one to watch, too, setting a 5:46 pace and winning his division with a time of 17:57. Bob Marinelli is also showing great dedication to his sport, finishing 7th overall and first in his grouping with 17:51.

It is evident this race is a big part of helping the community of Charleroi. With a race size of this magnitude, many volunteers participated in helping lend a hand and their enthusiasm made a huge impact to the spirit of the crowd.


The first Little Great Race in Charleroi was run on September 24, 1987. It was originally created as a prelude to the Pittsburgh Great Race and run on the Wednesday before it. The first overall winner was Malcom East, while the first female runner to cross the finish line was Diane East.

For more information go to: www.littlegreatrace.com