On Saturday, November 6, Boys Home of Virginia hosted its 5th annual fall fundraiser, the Harvest Hustle 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon, at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail! One hundred and seventeen participants gathered to compete on this exceptionally crisp, fall day. Even though the temperatures that morning were in the 30s, racers from all over Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were not deterred from competing. Bottled water, Gatorade, and pre-packaged snacks were available for runners to enjoy before and after each event. The Colorful Chameleon food truck was on-site as well. They sold hot coffee, flavored hot chocolate bombs, and delicious hot food to warm the souls of all the volunteers, participants, and spectators.
All runners received a long sleeve t-shirt with race logo, and everyone received a one-of-a-kind participation medal as they crossed the finish line. A collectable campfire mug was given to the top 3 fastest male and female racers in each age group, as well as a certificate of their accomplishment. The overall top three male and female racers for each race won a collectable acrylic Boys Home house trophy. All first-place winners also received a gift certificate to Lex Running Shop.
Overall winners in the 5K race were 1st place male – Cameron Ballinger (18) of Suffolk, VA finishing at 18:47, 2nd place male – Zach Wallace (19) of Virginia Beach, VA finishing at 19:44, and 3rd place male – Kellen Lowman (16) of Clifton Forge, VA finishing at 20:28. First place female – Kiera Lowman (22) of Clifton Forge, VA with a time of 20:42, 2nd place female – Colleen Urffer (34) of Lewisburg, WV finishing at 24:08, and 3rd place female – Erin Bartley (43) from Covington, VA finishing at 25:53.
Overall winners in the WestRock 10K race were 1st place male – Sam Allen (44) of Lexington, VA with a time of 39:44, 2nd place male – Daron McPeek (54) of Covington, VA finishing at 49:23, and 3rd place male – Thomas Wiltshire (21) of Chantilly, VA finishing at 49:58. First Place female – Keeling Pennington (45) of Lynchburg, VA finishing at 52:50, 2nd place female – Elizabeth Schenkel (45) from Moneta, VA finishing at 53:14, and 3rd place female – Laura Morgan (40) from Lynchburg, VA finishing at 54:28.
The overall winners for the WestRock Half Marathon were 1st place male – Daniel Quets (22) of Baltimore, MD with a time of 1:25:10, 2nd place male – Jeremy Weaver (42) from Copper Hill, VA finishing at 1:29:57, and 3rd place male – Mason Tarkenton (21) from Lexington, VA finishing at 1:33:12. First place female – Rachael Dickenson (21) of Lexington, VA finishing at 1:38:17, 2nd place female – Katie Waterworth (43) from Lynchburg, VA finishing at 1:44:04, and 3rd place female – Crystal Weaver (41) from Copper Hill, VA finishing at 1:52:45.
The finish times for each race are listed on www.runforboyshome.org along with photos to commemorate the day.
Boys Home would like to shout out a special thank you to Run Roanoke, the Falling Spring Rescue Squad, the Colorful Chameleon, as well as all participants, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event possible. This year, Ingevity was the presenting sponsor for the event. Ingevity has been a faithful supporter of Boys Home. As always, Boys Home is grateful for the generosity of the many businesses that sponsor the Harvest Hustle each year. A huge thank you to the following event sponsors: WestRock, Lexington Prescription Center, Highlands Community Bank, Campbell Insurance, Silvercrest Asset Management, Balchem Corporation, Old Dominion Furniture Company, Alleghany Asphalt and Construction, Inc., Northwest Ace Hardware, Tri-County Furniture, Spencer Home Center, Jackson River Community Credit Union, Updike, Nicely, and Crawford, The Rail Bar and Grille, J & K Electric, McDonough Toyota, Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry, Loving Funeral Home, Bath Community Hospital, Valley Supermarket IGA, and Lex Running Shop.
With this being the 5th year of this fall fundraiser, Boys Home would like to reflect on the amazing support that has been extended by various, organizations, businesses, and volunteers to make this such a successful event. Not only has it raised funds, but it has also helped raise awareness of Boys Home and the services that are provided for the young men in residence there. The vision of Boys Home is to provide a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them. This event shows the commitment and discipline needed to be a runner, the tenacity never to give up, and the importance of always striving to do your best. It also provides a great example of how a community can come together and support each other.
Next year’s Harvest Hustle will be scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022. All are invited to participate in this challenging, fun, and exciting event which will only grow bigger and better!
