Despite the fact that plenty of regulars are out of town on vacation and there are other competitive races the same weekend, the Benedum Festival’s Challenger 5K has managed to draw large crowds. And last year was no exception.

 

“We had 222 runners last year and we hope to match and surpass that this year,” said Challenger 5K organizer Jack Spatafore. “The fact we have so many runners considering the time of the year and with so much else going on speaks highly of the supporters of the race and the Challenger League.”

 

The race, which will be the 19^th annual 5K taking place in conjunction with the Benedum Festival, will be held July 11 this year. It will start at 8:30 a.m. at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

Proceeds raised from the event go to the Challenger League. The league, which is held annually here in Bridgeport, allows nearly 100 individuals from several counties with various physical and mental impairments takes part in a baseball league that provides the same experience as Little League. Spatafore said the purpose to have the race goes beyond just the funds that are raised.

 

“We see the purpose for holding the race as two fold. We really want to bring awareness to Challenger Baseball and the impact that it has on children and their families from Harrison County and several other counties. We know people have heard about it, but we also want them to understand just how important it is,” said Spatafore. “It’s also a fundraiser for the league and we think the money helps out tremendously with what (League Organizers) Mike and Kim Martin do. Everything they do for those children is first class.”

 

Spatafore said the funds that are raised from this event are coupled with annual sponsors and efforts by volunteers to make the league as fun as possible. He said dollars go toward providing uniforms, hats and pullovers.

 

“The kids really enjoy putting on those uniforms. I know with my own kids they’re sometimes as excited with that new hat as they are about playing the game so we want everyone involved to be just as excited and this race helps,” said Spatafore.

 

Spatafore said the Martins’ goal is to make the league free for those involved. He said it takes all the pressure off the family and allows them to simply enjoy the game-day experience.

 

Last year, recently graduated Bridgeport High School senior Matt Dearth won the event. He finished with a time of 16 minutes, 52 seconds. Dearth is now competing for West Virginia Wesleyan.

 

Individuals can pre-register prior to July 9 for $15. The cost after that and the day of the race is $25. Individuals can register by going to www.bridgeportbenedumfestival.com. On the site, they can print off a registration form. Individuals can also visit Bridgeport Physical Therapy for a form or contact Spatafore there at 304-842-3137 with any questions. All individuals racing will once again receive a t-shirt.

 

The race course will be the same as recent years. The race will begin and end on the track at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the large crowd from last year's race, while 2014 winner Matt Dearth is shown in the middle. Race organizer Jack Spatafore is shown at the bottom. Top photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.