Ready, set, go

Published 12:01 am Sunday, March 10, 2013

Running enthusiasts take off down Industrial Access Road at the start of the 2013 Developmental Disabilities5K Run/Walk event.

Running enthusiasts take off down Industrial Access Road at the start of the 2013 Developmental Disabilities5K Run/Walk event.

SOUTH POINT — The sun was out, but the air still brisk as dozens of runners stretched and checked their laces before the pop of the gun started the race.

More than 200 runners came out to participate in the 2013 Developmental Disabilities 5K Run/Walk Saturday morning. The event featured runners of all ages and levels.

“We had about 127 registered before today, so we had about 70-80 register this morning,” Tim Nunnery, public information officer for the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said. “The extra 25 or so we had up from last year

Email newsletter signup

is great. You can’t thank the

runners enough. I know it is a great day for a

run, but it’s also a great cause and it’s wonderful they’ve come out to help raise awareness.”

Many ran solo, seeking a new personal record or to get the most out of their morning run, but the Staley family came out together. Bo, husband and father of the clan, said his wife, Ayrie, signed them up and it is good for a family to do things together.

“I work for Head Start,” Ayrie said. “I think anything you are involved in for work or your community is a good thing. It is also important for families to get out and do things together and I do care a lot about the kids I work with.”

Logan Rowe, 18, from Proctorville was the first one to cross the finish line with a time of 17:36:5. Lisa Johnson, 43, was the first female to complete the race with a time of 21:46:5.

Other events scheduled for DD Awareness Month are:

• Chili Fest and Craft Show held in the Dawson-Bryant High School gymnasium Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• March Madness basketball games held in the Dawson-Bryant High School gymnasium Tuesday, March 19 starting at 5:45 p.m.

• DD food drive and eyeglasses collection points at various locations.

Those seeking more information on developmental disability awareness in Lawrence County or to register for the chili competition can contact the LCBDD at (740) 532-7356.