On Saturday, November 5, Boys Home of Virginia hosted its 6th annual fall fundraiser, the Harvest Hustle 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail! One hundred and twenty-six participants gathered to compete on an exceptionally warm fall day. Even though there were a few moments of misting rain, racers from all over Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas were not deterred from competing. Bottled water, Gatorade and pre-packaged snacks were available for runners to enjoy before and after each event. Mountain Momma’s Kitchen LLC was on site to provide food and coffee to participants, volunteers and spectators.
All runners received a long sleeve t-shirt with the race logo, and everyone received a one-of-a-kind participation medal as they crossed the finish line. A collectable 16 oz. latte mug was given to the top three 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 in Lexington, Virginia.
Overall winners in the 5K race were 1st place male – Aiden Sensabaugh (15) of Hot Springs, VA finishing at 19:11, 2nd place male – Joshua Anglin (15) of Covington, VA finishing at 20:02, and 3rd place male – James Mazy Ross (15) of Covington, VA finishing at 20:49. First place female – Abby Dixon (16) of Lewisburg, WV with a time of 22:43, 2nd place female – Faith Barron (13) of Clifton Forge, VA finishing at 22:51, and 3rd place female – Maggie Hensley (13) from Covington, VA finishing at 23:32.
Overall winners in the WestRock 10K race were 1st place male – Sam Allen (45) of Lexington, VA with a time of 38:51, 2nd place male – Alex Bullock (22) of Lewisburg, WV finishing at 40:59, and 3rd place male – Adam Gild (21) of Covington, VA finishing at 46:47. First Place female – Anna Henry (34) of Durham, NC finishing at 45:32, 2nd place female – Ashley Bykowski (26) from Lewisburg, WV finishing at 47:04, and 3rd place female – Esabelle Gervasio (23) from Lewisburg, WV finishing at 1:04:33.
The overall winners for the WestRock Half Marathon were 1st place male – Mark Stauffer (52) of Otisco, IN with a time of 1:28:56, 2nd place male – Paul Titus (52) from Waynesboro, VA finishing at 1:32:25, and 3rd place male – Jeremy Weaver (45) from Copper Hill, VA finishing at 1:34:13. First place female – Adrien Monti (43) of Roanoke, VA finishing at 2:11:59, 2nd place female – Lyla Rumler (35) from Forest, VA finishing at 2:28:42, and 3rd place female – Jamison Strasser (31) from Hot Springs, VA finishing at 2:48:42.
The finish times for each race are listed on www.runforboyshome.org along with photos to commemorate the day.
Boys Home would like to thank Run Roanoke, the Falling Spring and Covington Rescue Squads, Mountain Momma’s Kitchen LLC, Alleghany Parks and Recreation, as well as all participants, volunteers and sponsors for making this event possible. For the second year, Ingevity was the presenting sponsor for the event. Ingevity has always been a faithful supporter of Boys Home and their participation is greatly appreciated. Boys Home is also very 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, Old Dominion Furniture Company, Alleghany Asphalt and Construction, Inc., Greenbrier Physicians, Persinger Memorial United Methodist Church, McDonough Toyota, Spencer Home Center, Jackson River Community Credit Union, The Rail Bar and Grille, The Cat & Owl, J & K Electric, West Winds Venue, The Recorder, Fincastle Baptist Church: Highlands Campus, Edward Jones Investments, The Law Firm of William T. Wilson, Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery, Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry, Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative, K. McConnell Legal, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Grand Home Furnishings, Valley Supermarket IGA, Barnwood Living and Lex Running Shop.
This wonderful event is not only a fundraiser, 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 4, 2023. All are invited to participate in this challenging, fun and exciting event which will only grow bigger and better with each passing year!
