Miles in Martinsville hosted a series of foot race events, including its annual half-marathon, Youth in Motion 5K, All Vets Ruck, and Brad’s Path to Remember Memorial Walk on Saturday. More than 300 athletes participated, alongside numerous spectators and young runners from several states.
The events were organized by the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA with support from local runner Brian Hurd, who stepped in to assist after longtime promoter Joe Philpott stepped down last year. Hurd also helped train both the 5K and half-marathon participants.
The YMCA added the ruck event to raise awareness for local veterans through the All Vets group.
“They offered us a spot to do our ruck today to help raise awareness to what rucking was,” said Careen Rodgers.
“For the past year the All Vets started rucking here, we’ve been trying to help them get their name out there and let everybody know what they are here for,” Hurd added.
The memorial walk honored Brad Russell, a beloved community member and youth basketball coach who passed away last year.
“Brad Russell passed away last year, they wanted to do something for him. He was a really important person in the community and everybody loved him,” Hurd said.
Russell was known for working with local children and his passion for running and biking.
“Even though he was quite tall, he could still move quite fast as a runner and biker,” said YMCA Executive Director Brad Kinkema.
Kinkema said the morning started with rain, which caused concern, but the weather cleared in time for the events.
“It’s great to see the community come out, it’s great to see people waiting at the finish line for their kids,” he said.
All race finishers received medals and running socks. In addition to overall winners, awards were presented to top finishers in each race category.
Youth in Motion 5K
Male winners:
Moises Cisneios – 18:39.43
Ben Flores – 18:39.47
Chase Smith – 19:07.80
Female winners:
Liz Harris – 25:31.41
Madison Ashley – 26:13.04
Madison Doster – 27:36.40
All Vets Ruck
Male winners:
Alfredo Huerta (20 lbs) – 27:11.92
Carson McMurray (40 lbs) – 34:38.17
Steve Strachan (40 lbs) – 39:11.06
Female winners:
Katie Schneider (40 lbs) – 42:38.46
Tashah Davis (20 lbs) – 44:07.97
Kaitlin Martin (20 lbs) – 49:33.29
Half-Marathon
Male winners:
Mark Phillips – 1:26:46.75
Dawson Woodruff – 1:27:50.19
Nasir Monroe – 1:37:56.89
Female winners:
Christy Nester – 1:48:54.75
Evan Logan – 1:49:04.99
Cheyenne Marinus – 1:49:44.71
This was the first Miles in Martinsville race of the year, followed by the launch of registration for the new Dick & Willie Challenge. The next event, Joe’s Mile, is scheduled for July 19 on the Dick & Willie Passage.
