Race director Claire Watts credited the beautiful morning for nearly a 25 percent increase in participation for the Lazy 5 Vets Millbridge Elementary 5K on Saturday morning.
A light breeze and cool temperatures for the 9 a.m. start made conditions very favorable as 145 runners tackled the rolling course.
Jonathan Martin won in 19 minutes and 45 seconds. Josh Readling was second in 19:51. Third was Eli Julian at 20:17.
Top female was Gilcelia Torres with a time of 21 minutes and 22 seconds. Rebekah Julian was second at 21:35 with Karla Steedley third in 22:47.
Fun run winner for 8-and-under males was Andrew Hembold in 3:10 and Karla Amezquita in 3:24 led the females.
Top finisher for the 9-12 boys was Ethan Bancroft at 2:43 and Makayla Puckhaber in 3:50.
The top finishing team was YMCA Warriors.
Eli Julian’s performance was the talk of the day as the eight year old clipped about 90 seconds off his personal best for the 5K distance. Julian is a nationally ranked AAU runner who participates locally with the YMCA Warrior track and cross country teams.
Proceeds from the event will fund Millbridge Elementary school projects. Sponsors for the event also included Novant Health, LL Goodnight and Sons, Inc., Concord Printing Company, JVH Consultants, Mault Brothers Service Station, Dayspring Community Church, Stout Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. and the Concord Trophy Center.
Complete results are online at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org