The Good Samaritan Center’s annual Tortoise and the Hare 5K Walk and Run brought out nearly 200 participants this year, raising money for their vital Emergency Assistance Program.
This community event, which has been around since 1998, has grown from a Walk for Hunger into a popular race attracting families, friends, businesses, and local organizations. Funds from the event go towards the Good Samaritan Center’s program that provides a wide range of services to low-income residents, including a food pantry, financial assistance, a thrift store, and more.
This year’s race boasted a beautiful spring day and a new scenic route that incorporated the city’s park trails. However, organizers acknowledged some confusion with the course layout and chip timing, causing a delay in the awards ceremony.
“We’re disappointed that there were some issues,” said Don Ledford, the race coordinator. “We’ve addressed them and will ensure a smoother experience next year.”
Despite the hiccups, the race awarded prizes to some age group winners and overall champions. Scott Reed of Richmond, MO, and Sophan Munger of Independence, MO, took first place in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.
Full results, including age group winners, are now available on the race website.
Ages 1-19, Rance Buck (Liberty, MO) and Faye Buck (Liberty, MO)
Ages 20-29, John Barrett (Kearney, MO) and Abaghale Morris (Holt, MO)
Ages 30-39, Reginald Johnson (Richmond, MO) and Kymie Trout (Liberty, MO)
Ages 40-49, Russell Wenz (Rayville, MO) and Heather Cleary (Liberty, MO)
Ages 50-59, Robert Buck (Liberty, MO) and Jill Coffey (Kearney, MO)
Ages 60+, Jack Uhrig (Marshall, MO) and Kathleen Purduski (Kansas City, KS)
A big thank you goes out to all the sponsors, volunteers, and the City of Excelsior Springs for their support in making this event a success. We’d especially like to recognize our corporate sponsor, Other Trails Coffee and Goods. Additional sponsors include Maynard Moore, Don & Loretta Ledford, ReeceNichols Realtors (who sponsored the race medals), Aramark (who sponsored the finish line food), and PACCOR Packaging Solutions. Their contributions were vital to the race’s success.
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