2011 Spiders Support Local Communities Through Running

Andrew Valenski (#676) on his way to victory in the 
National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Long Island Chapter 5K.

Several members of the Richmond men's and women's cross country teams went home for Thanksgiving and supported their local charitable groups through participation in and providing contributions to road races that raise awareness and funding for the non-profit organizations:

  
National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Long Island Chapter 5K Turkey Trot (Massapequa Park, NY)-November 24

Spider freshman Andrew Valenski went home for Thanksgiving to Massapequa Park, NY where joined 1,700 others as he participated and won the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Long Island Chapter 5K Turkey Trot.  The charity event rose over $25,000 for the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Valenski took the lead from the start covering the first mile in 4:36 as he pulled away to victory with a time of 15:23. “We’ve had a bunch of cancers in our family”, said Valenski. “This is such an important cause,” he said. “My legs felt really heavy and I didn’t go as fast as I wanted to, but it was fun and a great event.”

"Turkey Trot Raises Money For Cancer Research"...Read article HERE

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Billy Fayette crossed the line ahead of 5,100 runners
in 15:49 to win the Bonfield Express 5K.

 9^th Annual Bonfield Express 5K (Downers Grove, IL)-November 24

Fayette with the Race Director

Billy Fayette returned home to Illinois for the 9^th Annual Bonfield Express 5K to benefit the Jim Bonfield Foundation.  The Downers Grove, IL race brought together 5,100 participants, a record number. The event has grown each year since its inception and grew by nearly 1,000 competitors this year.

Fayette, who is a freshman standout from Clarendon Hills, took the lead early through the many twists and turns on the Downers Grove streets.  He went on to win the race by 15 seconds with a time of 15:49.

Race Information go HERE 

 9^th Annual Bonfield Express 5K Results HERE  

For a slide show of race photos go HERE...About Jim Bonfield go HERE  

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33^rd Annual Berryville Turkey Trot (Berryville, VA)-November 24

Adam Owens

Sophomore Adam Owens and Freshman Paul Myer headed home to Berryville, Virginia for the 33^rd edition of the Berryville Turkey Trot.  The Clarke County High School teammates now share the honor as Spider student-athletes.  This event consisted of three races on a 2 mile grass loop: a 2 mile (1 lap), 4 mile (2 laps) and 6 mile (3 laps).

Paul Myer

Owens took the title in the 6 mile race with an easy win of 31:59 defeating 2^nd place by 1 minute 3 seconds.  “I wasn’t sure how I would feel after taking a few days off following the cross country season”, said Owens. “As Paul (Myer) and I went through the mile it felt easy so I decided to start picking it up.  The further I went the better I felt.”  Myer, who is also a Clarke County HS alum who competes for the Spiders, chose the 4 mile race on the grass looped course.  He took the title in 21:26 defeating 2^nd place by 22 seconds.

33^rd annual Berryville Turkey Trot Results HERE  

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Matthew Groff has a slight lead on Craig Miller
in the Millersville 5K Turkey Trot.

 39^th Annual Millersville 5K Turkey Trot (Millersville, PA)-November 24

Freshman Matthew Groff competed in the 39^th Annual Millersville 5K Turkey Trot in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Groff’s efforts benefited the Water Street Rescue Mission.  Groff placed second with a time of 15:28.  New Balance and 8 time All-American Wisconsin Badger Craig Miller won the race in 14:59. The event, in its 39^th year, had 509 finishers.

39^th Annual Millersville 5K Turkey Trot Results HERE 

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Allie Stapleton

Huntington Townwide Fund Thanksgiving Day 4 Mile Run (Huntington, NY)-November 24

Freshman Allie Stapleton competed in the Huntington Townwide Fund Thanksgiving Day 4 Mile Run in Huntington, NY.  1,743 runners took to the streets to support Huntington Townwide Fund.  Stapleton placed 4^th running a time of 25:43.  Her time was 44 seconds behind Kathleen Callahan’s winning mark. Contributions from this event help support the following Huntington community agencies:  American Red Cross (Huntington Chapter), Community Youth Agencies of Huntington, YMCA, Family Service League, Foster Grandparent Program, Girl Scouts, Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Huntington Hospital, Literacy Suffolk, Long Island Association for AIDS Care (LIAAC) and St. Johnland Nursing Center.

Huntington Townwide Fund Thanksgiving Day 4 Mile Run Results HERE

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22^nd Annual Bucks County Roadrunners Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler (Langhorne, PA)-November 24

Kyle Ragan

Kyle Ragan won his age group while placing 4^th overall in the 22^nd Annual Bucks County Roadrunners Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.  After leading for 2 ½ miles Ragan was overtaken by a pack of three runners before cruising home in 27:46.  Patrick Haneman was the winner running 27:08.  This annual event benefits Bethanna.  Bethanna is a Christian organization that provides the highest quality system of care for children and families in order to ensure safety, restore emotional wellness, and build family stability.  For more on Bethanna go HERE.   

22^nd Annual Bucks County Roadrunners Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile Results HERE  

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7^th Annual Moorestown 5K Turkey Trot (Moorestown, NJ)-November 24

Dana Guglielmo

Dana Guglielmo participated in the 7^th Annual MoorestownMoorestown, New Jersey.  This cross country event supports the Moorestown Cross Country Team and is sponsored by the Moorestown Distance Running Club (MDRC).  No official results were kept for this fun run.

Race Information HERE