The rain held off and paved the way for a fun filled day of running and fitness for 63 elementary and middle school students. After visiting the NIKE booth for a bag of goodies, picking up “Got Milk” items at the dairy promotion table and decorating their faces courtesy of the Bellefonte cheerleaders, it was time to pin on their numbers and head out to the starting line.

The first race of the day was the ¼ mile race for children in kindergarten and younger. The youngest finisher for the girls was Hannah Sweda, 2 years old from Lancaster and 2 year old, Colton Grubb, from Bellefonte. The top female finisher was Victoria Scalamogna in 1:54 and the first male finisher was Gage Light in 1:58.

The ½ mile race for first and second grade was next with Renee Olivett taking top female finisher in 3:31 and Jake Etter finishing in 3:41. Immediately following that race was the ½ mile race for 3rd and 4th graders. Danielle Feffer was the top female finisher in 3:24 and her brother, Mikey Feffer was the top male in 3:37.

The next race was the mile race for children in sixth grade and younger. Lauren Horning took top honors in 8:26 and Nikita Fedkin was the top male in 7:42.

The final race of the day was the 1.5 mile run for eighth grade and younger. Caitlyn Vance was the top female finisher in 17:07 and Richard Gilligan pulled away for the winner of the male category in 11:28.

The top five finishers in each race received medals and all finishers received a ribbon. All runners were greeted at the finish line by an enthusiastic crowd of parents, friends and members of the Bellefonte Area High School cross-country team.

A special thanks goes out to Dave Eggler from the Nittany Valley Running Club who provided timing and results.

- Kim Gasper, Race Director.

Results