For the third year in a row the time ran on the course of the Murray half marathon was broken.
In the first year, Patrick Cheptoek won the race in 1:08:35, last year; Daniel Kirwa won in 1:05:58, rounding out this year’s winner, Scott Wietecha from Hendersonville, Tenn. in 1:04:35.
Not only were time records set, but attendance this year was higher than past at more than 700 attendees and 153 volunteers which included 90 uniformed officers. A 100 person increase from last year’s total.
Volunteer’s worked hard during the race by providing water, setting up road signs and even cleaning up.
“This is quite an undertaking to organize,” said Susan Davis, Coordinator of Institutional Development. “It was all well worth it for the beautiful weather and great spirits.”
This year a half marathon relay option was added which allowed pairs of runners to team up and run the 13.1-mile course. Awards were given to the top male team, Team Martin/Hasentab with a time of 1:39:24, the top female team, The A Team, with a time of 2:02:04 and the top co-ed team, Team Wooldridge/Lenki, with a time of 1:54:19.
Runners began their race on Poplar Street in Murray running downtown to historic courthouse square, then going through a scenic Central Park, hitting the main road of Murray, U.S. Highway 641 past Murray State’s Roy Stadium and into Calloway County. They returned on the west side of Murray passing through neighborhoods and ending at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
“This was a lovely run,” said Joseph Whitemore (grade), from Springfield, Ill. “I ran for the fun of it and to come see my daughter at (Murray State).”
Spirit teams were given the option to win money for their organization by cheering and supporting runners along the way. Runners were given the opportunity to vote on their favorite spirit team after the race. This year’s winners were the Calloway County Middle School Cheerleaders.
The proceeds from the race all benefit the Murray-Calloway endowment for healthcare’s residential Hospice House. According to Davis they are about a half-million short from their $3.2 million goal.
In addition to the funds raised by the marathon, the MCCH will be hosting their first online event for people to donate money called KY Gives event on April 24.
Story by Kelsey Randolph, Staff writer.