Community turns out for 1st Annual HH 5K

Running for a healthy heart Photo: Times photo by Bruce Farrin

Sam Skibitksy is seen here leading a pack of runners across the Memorial Bridge in Rumford during the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition 1^st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run/Walk. More than 100 people came out in the rain to support this River Valley event.

Waiting for daddy Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

Beck Skibitsky paints the face of a little girl during the 1st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K road race held in Rumford. The little girl later met her daddy at the finish line with a big hug.

Fun in the rain Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

The rain didn't stop these folks from coming out and enjoying the 1st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K road race. 90 participants walked or ran the 3.1-mile course through Rumford.

And, they're off! Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

The start of the 1st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K road race took place under rainy skies, but that didn't stop the 90 participants from busting through the start line to venture out on the 3.1-mile course.

Giving a helping hand Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

The Mountain Valley Peer Helpers were on hand during the 1st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K road race to collect donations for the more than 50 food-insecure elderly that live throughout the River Valley.

Chisholm Ski Club Timing Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

Bob Arsenault of Chisholm Ski Club works on the timing for the 1st Annual Healthy Hearts 5K road race.

Zumba! Photo: Photo by Greg Viger Photography

Karen Mann of River Valley Zumba leads participants in a little pre-race stretch Zumba-style.

Spectators had the pleasure of seeing the new dance-style exercise demonstrated while the runners and walkers were out on the course.

RUMFORD- In spite of the rain, more than 100 people throughout the River Valley attended the first annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run/Walk on Sunday to help make their hearts healthier and to raise funds to help the American Heart Association provide for those suffering from heart-related disease.

Sandra Witas, event coordinator and community outreach for RVHCC, noted, “It warmed my heart to see so many people out there participating, volunteering and showing their support. At one point, I looked up and they were coming from all directions. That's when I knew it was a success.”

With 90 people registered and various donations, the event raised just under $2000.

Throughout the morning, Med-Care Ambulance offered free EKG screenings, River Valley Zumba was on hand to provide pre-race stretches and demonstrations on the new form of dance exercise, members of Eleven Circles Teen Center provided face painting for the children, members of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce were present selling ducks for their July 4^th race and the Mountain Valley Peer Helpers were collecting food donations for the 50-plus elderly members of the community that are food insecure.

“It was such a success,” noted Witas. “So many community groups came out to provide their service and promote themselves during this event. It's exactly what I had hoped for. A true community event. I'm sure the rain kept some people away, but I can only hope that we are able to grow from this each year.”

With timing for the event provided by Chisholm Ski Club, Greg Viger providing the photographic memories for the day, Pizza Hut and Rumford Community Home supplying plenty of post-race fuel and Carrabassett Spring Water hydrating the participants, the day was a collaboration of success.

The following is a list of top finishers: Women Runners: Amy Chiasson, 26:00; Tammy Marcellino, 27:11; Erin Farmington, 27:15; Girl Runner: Sydney Orcut, 46:25; Boy Runner: William Cunningham, 20:59; Nelson Pepin, 21:20; Sam Skibitsky, 32:00; Men Runners: Dan Crooker, 17:27; Nick Woods, 19:43; Gunnar Bradbury, 19:58; Female Walkers: Rebecca Mayfield, 32:36; Catherine Johnson, 35:55; Janine Archibald, 41:23; Men Walkers: Cam Welch, 32:36; Bill Gates, 51:31; Arthur Boivin, 51:38; Kevin Stanley, 52:27.

With the event offering free registration to children 10 years and younger, there were only a handful participating. “We hope that next year's event will pull that younger age bracket out to enjoy the day,” noted Witas. “We are off to a great start.”

Witas also stated that each year the group will choose a different agency to donate the funds raised toward.

See more event photos by visiting www.rumfordfallstimes.com.

If you would like to help plan the 2012 race or are interested in how you can help your community become healthier, visit www.rvhcc.org or call 364-7408 for more information.