For the last eight years, the Benedum Festival 5K has been the “Benedum Festival Challenger 5K.” And during that time, the highly popular road race that will be entering its 18^th edition come July 12 starting at the Wayne Jamison Field complex has developed into a very popular event.

 

“The race has been very well received in the community for a number of years and we were thrilled to take it over and use it as a fundraiser for the Challenger Little League eight years ago,” said Organizer Jack Spatafore. “This race keeps the Challenger League in the public eye and the awareness of the league and I think it encourages those that participate to give it their all just the same as the kids that participate in the Challenger League do.”

 

Those looking to participate can do so be registering early or by registering on race day. Those who pre-register before July 9 can do so for $15. Race day registration is $25. Regardless, the funds are utilized for the Challenger League and anyone that has witnessed that wonderful league knows the money is put to good use.

 

Race Day registration starts at 7 a.m. The Challenger 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.

 

The Challenger League is a division of Little League that allows for children with physical and mental disabilities to have the opportunity to experience the thrill of athletic competition. Locally, Spatafore’s partner at Bridgeport Physical Therapy – Mike Martin and his wife Kim – run the league that has grown to roughly 100 participants from counties all across West Virginia.

 

“We will raise a few thousand dollars from this event and 100 percent of it goes to the Challenger League,” said Spatafore. “With Mike and Kim running the league, they could survive without it, but this allows them a little bit of a comfort zone with extra money that may be needed for a uniform, a piece  of equipment or to provide a family money they may need for a trip that the teams occasionally take.”

 

Spatafore is hoping for a big turnout. Last year, 190 individuals registered for the race and he’s hoping to top 200 this year.

 

To help get there, Spatafore said free t-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners, while those registering on race day will get them while supplies last. There will also be trophies  given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for both men and women overall and in age groups as follows: 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

 

Spatafore said like year’s past, there will be random drawings for gift cards and prizes. However, he said that will be stepped up this year.

 

“We’ll be giving out a lot more stuff so even if you don’t win the race or your division, you still have a chance to win something,” said Spatafore. “Even if you don’t win the race or a prize, you should feel good knowing that you’ve ran the event and you’ve helped out those children in Challenger.”

 

The course begins on Wayne Jamison Field. It starts up Johnson Avenue and then veers onto West Philadelphia before taking a sharp turn onto Worthington Drive. Eventually, runners will do a hard left turn onto Pearcy Street before heading down Stout Street, back onto Philadelphia, and then back to Johnson Avenue and finishing at Jamison Field.

 

“The course is pretty challenging, but not overwhelming. There are some hills that you have to take not of, but it’s a fun race,” said Spatafore.

 

Last year, Bridgeport’s David McCollam was the winner. He posted a winning time of 16 minutes, 29.2 seconds. That was 37 seconds ahead of runner-up Matt Dearth, a recently graduated standout of the Bridgeport High School track and cross country state championship teams.

 

To get a pre-registration form, click HERE. If you want more information, contact Spatafore at 304-842-3137.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows David McCollam taking the lead in last year's race, while bottom photo shows race organizer Jack Spatafore, right, and emcee Ben Randolph discussing matters prior to the 2013 race.