Boston Mini-Marathon runners enjoy community-filled afternoon
Oct. 31—BOSTON- The annual Boston Mini-Marathon and Festival took place on Saturday, where the Boston Community Club saw a larger turnout for vendors and parade entrants than any year prior.
The Community Club had a huge vision for this year's Mini-Marathon, incorporating a costume contest, a Kids Karnival and a new young entrepreneur vendor opportunity. Students in grades 5-12 were able to set up a booth, selling boiled peanuts, hand-squeezed lemonade, or homemade body sugars, among the typical vendors.
Boston Community Club President Ann McCrickard said they had nothing but good feedback about the variety of activities, vendors and opportunities available at the annual festival.
"I think we had a fabulous turnout," she said. "The parade was longer, we had more vendors than ever and most of the food vendors actually sold out."
While bystanders were getting their grub on, runners from all across Georgia trotted through the back roads of Boston, taking in the beautiful pastures and morning dew, hoping to win the Mini-Marathon, 5K, or walk.
Leonardo Canete took home first place in the Half Marathon, finishing with a time of 1:18:15. The first female finisher was less than a minute behind him, claiming second place. Katie Sherron finished the Half Marathon with a time of 1:19:13.
In the 5K run, young Holten Dennard took first with a time of 19.45. Minutes later, the first female runner and second-place finisher, Stephanie Liles-Weyant ran to the finish line with a time of 21.26.
In the 5K walk, Sean Kozlowski took first for the second year in a row, beating his last year's time of 33:36 with a time of 33:22.
Linda Law finished as the first female walker and came in second place with a time of 38:53.
McCrickard said those who ran or walked appreciated the course and natural scenic views, however, the number of participants was down.
"It's a trend nationally race organizers are seeing," she said. "We were pleased with the participation we got though, because there were so many opportunities happening across South Georgia that day."
Upon the conclusion of the half-marathon, two teams took to the streets for the Annual Bed Race.
The bed race helps raise money for local children in need of a bed. All of the money is given to Ashley's Furniture which purchases beads through their Hope to Dream organization.
The Harvest Hooligans of the Thomasville Humane won the Spirit Award for the most creative design.
Overall, McCrickard thought the day's events could not have been better. She thanked all of the sponsors and community for making the event possible.
"Thank you to the Boston Police Department, Boston Public Works and Boston Fire Department for coming together to help us with this event, and a special thanks to Amanda Maxwell, who chairs the committee for this event," she said.
At the end of the day, McCrickard was most thankful for all the families who came out as Boston strives to be a place where the entire community feels welcome.
