WASCO staff and Special Olympic athletes held their first 5k event called WASCO's "Very Unique" 5K Run and Walk. Participants endured almost four miles of course, instead of the expected 3.1 miles. Event coordinators Nancy Harris, Rachelle Flesher and Jan Powell appreciate the good spirits of those who crossed the finish line claiming it was a longer than a 3.1 mile course, but all the participants seemed to share the sentiment of Cathy Macatol, 2nd place women's runner, who exclaimed "It doesn't matter to me. It was a great way to start my Saturday". WASCO event coordinators anticipate this being an annual event and are making plans for a larger crowd and an exact 3.1 mile mapped route through the city streets of Marietta next year.
Race results:
Runners - Men: 1st place, Derek Dillon; 2nd place, Chad Lockhart; 3rd place, Jim McCombs.
Runners - Women: 1st place, Kelli Koon; 2nd place, Cathy Macatol; 3rd place, Anna-Claire Myers and Madeline Myers.
Walkers - Men: 1st place, Joe Brooker; 2nd place, Jim Naylor; 3rd place - James Scott.
Walkers - Women: 1st place, Donna Graham; 2nd place, Louise Roberts; 3rd place, Teresa Porter and Kim Koon.
One-mile walkers: 1st place, Darla Brooker; 2nd place, Tiffany Downing; 3rd Place, Doris Brooker.
There are over 60 Washington County Special Olympic athletes who compete at the local and State level in Track and Field, Bowling and Aquatics. Coach Rachelle Flesher invites anyone who would like to volunteer with Special Olympics to call her at WASCO at 373-3418 or email her at rflesher@wcbdd.org.
