By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
The Atmore YMCA participated in the World's Largest 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 2nd with thousands of other YMCAs around the United States. All the other YMCAs throughout the country started their race at the same time. The event was co-sponsored by YMCA and Finish Line.
Frank Smarr of Team Alto Products covered the 3.1 miles through Atmore in 22 minutes and 26 seconds to capture first place in the run division, while in the women's run division, Rayleen Miller of Team Escambia Academy took top honors completing the course in 29 minutes and 7 seconds. The top male walker was Quenton Worrell who finished in 34 minutes and 50 seconds and the top female walker was Pam White of Team Salon Salon who finished in 56 minutes and 7 seconds.
The top three finishers in each age division received ribbons. Plaques were awarded to the top two teams. The Bratt Elementary Team received first place for the most entries and the Escambia Academy Team received first place for the most team spirit.
Pepsi Cola, Sobe and Winn Dixie were on site with refreshments for all. A table was also set up with various fruits and bagels donated by Winn Dixie where the athletes were able to refuel.
Approximately 40 runners and walkers were on hand for the event, including children for the fun run.
Listed below are the results by age and division.
Female 5K runners 13 to 18: Rayleen Miller, first; Shelby Hester, second; Kaylie Castleberry, third; Terri Buman, fourth. Ages 30 to 34: Natalie Stevenson, first.
Male 5K runners 13 to 18: Matthew Rice, first; Ryan Woods, second. Ages 19-24: Frank Smarr. Ages 25 to 29: Gordon Godwin, first; Shane Caraway, second; Roy Pettis, third. Ages 35 to 39: James America. Ages 50 to 54: Bert Rice. Ages 60 and up: Hugh Long, first.
Female 5K walkers 25 to 29: Pam White, first; Jennifer Lee, second; Ages 45 to 49: Sandy Greer.
Male 5K walkers 12 and under: J.D. Lee. Ages 50 to 54: Quenton Worrell.
Kids 1 Mile Run
Female 9 and 10: Andrea Nall, first; Ashley Webster, second; Angelica Bush, third. Ages 11 and 12: Crystal Higdon, first; Rachel Bush, second.
Male 6 and under: Jerome Webster, first; Jaxson Lee, second. Ages 7 and 8: D'Arius Pettway, first; Noah Bush, second; Tre Sizemore, third. Ages 9 and 10: Bryan Craine, first; James Webster, second; Jacob Bush, third. Ages l l and 12: Bo Hester, first; Joseph Bush, second.
Teams included Alto Products, Bratt Elementary, Escambia Academy and Salon Salon.