Opening event of ROC race series

Overall 5K male winner, Joey Stofko. Photo Contributed.

Union Mills Learning Center (UMLC) hosted its annual 5K/10K race on Saturday, February 22.

105 runners braved chilly temperatures to enjoy the opening event of the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) race series. Participants traveled from Tennessee, Asheville, Little Switzerland, Durham, and local communities for the event. One participant in the 10K race resides in Buckinghamshire, Great Britain.

This wilderness trail race features the scenery of the Second Broad River, and follows the CSX Railroad along Box Creek Wilderness area. The event proceeds are used to promote programs at the facility and assist with building improvements. Medals were awarded to overall winners and the top three players in each age group.

5K overall male 1st place Joey Stofko. 2nd place Brody Wilson.

5K female overall. 1st place Buffy Fountain. 2nd place Sarah Codd.

5K female winners listed in first, second and third place per age group: Age 1-12: Naomi Duncan, Phoebe Ishikawa, Eva Ryan. Age 13-19: Hannah Ishikawa, Ashley Fariss. Age 20-29: Cragon Newton, Anne-Mrea Fariss, Nataly Dominguez. Age 30-30: Chelsea Penson, Julie Tracy, Christine Troskey. Age 40-49: Melissa Owens, Joyce Glenn, Beth Archer. Age 50-59: Melissa Penson, Joanne Crain, Jill Smith. Age 60-69: Emily Lutz, Ginger Hutcherson, Rhonda Hardin. Age 70-99: Martha Marshall.

5K male winners: Age 1-12: Samuel Glenn. Age 13-19: Colt Wilson, Tristan Deviney, Grady Fariss. Age 30-30: Ryan Evans, Robert Moore, Hayden Trull. Age 40-49: Adam Duncan, Jared Chapman. Age 50-59: Benjamin Urfer, Andre`Sloan. Age 60-69: James Iverman, Ed Somerville, Paul Ramsey. Age 70-99: Jack Todd.

10K overall male 1st place Drew Watson. 2nd place Caleb Overman.

10K overall female first place Jennifer Fisher. 2nd place Lauren Bennett.

5K female winners per age group listed as 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Age 20-20: Julie Henson, Faith Archer, Maggie Mauriello. Age 30-30: Taylor Crowder, Hannah McCool. Age 40-49: Melanie Hamrick, Evie Beam, Heather Ott. Age 50-59: Margaret Kirk, Shannon McCool. Age 60-69: Sandy Austin.

10K male winners by age group. Age 13-19: Liam Hughes. Age 30-39: Caleb King, Paul Williams, Michael Lulacone. Age 40-49: Jamie Forrest, Mark Snyder, Gregory Osganian. Age 50-59: Clayton Venhuizen, Kyle Wolfe, Todd Blackwell. Age 60-69: Daniel DuToit, Chris Eason, Tim Lovelace.

UMLC Board members, Elaine Conner, Steve Harper, Donna Worley, Tom Parsons, and Jennifer Landis expressed appreciation for the sponsors, participants, and supporters who made this event successful.