The Harvest Moon Run held Friday, September 13, consisted of two races, a 5K and a 8K, with a festival atmosphere to entertain the runners and their family. The event was put on by the YMCA with the help of the Martinsville Arts and Culture Committee.
“It was the biggest Harvest Moon that we’ve ever had, probably 50 percent higher than average registration,” said Joe Philpott, who helps promote the event. Philpott said that despite the weather looking cloudy, the weather held, allowing organizers to host their biggest year yet.
Most runners participated in the 5K version of the race, with a little under 100 runners. The 8K version had nearly 50 runners, making the two races a great competition for those hoping to win an award.
The 5K women’s division was led by new Martinsville resident, Buffie Hill, with a time of 22:36. The men’s 5K was won by Caden Swisher of Reidsville, N.C. in 18:01. In the 8K, the women’s division was won by Alice Kassens of Fincastle, VA, in 35:59. The men were led by Eli Roberson of Stuart, with a time of 28:04.
Philpott said awards also were given to each age group in the two races, and noted how winning a medal seems to put everyone in a great mood, especially if they had never won before. “Every picture that gets taken on the award stand is nothing but smiles,” he said.
“The total registration was somewhere in the area of 170 to 175, and around 160 people ended up running,” Philpott said. The festivities at the race also went well. Hugo’s was on site serving food and Mountain Valley Brewery was selling beer for those old enough to drink.
The Martinsville Art and Culture Committee was on site to help volunteer and do crafts.
“They had a deal where they were giving out stickers so people could decorate their running bib, I think a lot of people did that, especially the younger crowd,” Philpott said.
Music started before the race started and finished after 9 p.m., providing a fun atmosphere. “You had a lot of people just hanging around and talking about running,” he said.
Miles in Martinsville are going to start preparing for their next race on Thanksgiving, the Turkey 2 Miler.
This next race will take place further up the Dick and Willie Trail at the Smith River Sports Complex. The race will be held in the morning to allow runners a fun day while still allotting time for family traditions in the afternoon.
Miles in Martinsville is also gearing up for the Holiday Run Festival. Philpott said this year, runners will be spending more time running the NASCAR racetrack before leaving the Martinsville Speedway to run outside of the track.
