Former Pottsville resident running for a cause
Apr. 22—POTTSVILLE — Former Pottsville resident Wayne Parfitt is no stranger to running in the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K and had a special reason to do so Saturday.
"I feel fine," he said after completing the 3.1 mile course in 22 minutes and 32 seconds.
The 57-year-old Newport News, Virginia, resident is a member of the 100-plus member Tide Cross Country Alumni Team, whose purpose is to help current and future members with participation in the school sport. Parfitt also ran the Boston Marathon.
Parfitt didn't know how many other alumni ran the race, in which 2,500 participants competed. The race started at 9 a.m. in front of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. brewery on Mahantongo Street and ended there.
He was talking via Facebook Messenger to fellow alumni Don Lambert, 57, of Nashville, Tennessee, who previously ran cross country and track, about a way to give back.
As a result, Parfitt said an account has been established at M&T Bank, Schuylkill Haven, to accept donations.
The initial 5K race to benefit the team, which is open to all Pottsville Area High School cross country, track alumni, family friends and current students, is Nov. 11 at the Pottsville Area High School track. A time has not been set, and exact details haven't been finalized.
For more information, email contactmra@bellsouth.net.
Race As is customary, Jennifer Yuengling thanked everyone participating and wished them good luck.
"We are proud to have you with us this morning," she said before the race's 11th race start.
There were five separate start times to avoid course congestion. Entry was $50, with a $4 sign-up fee. An award ceremony was held afterwards along with a post-race block party. Among other gifts, entrants received a T-shirt.
Some of those cheering on the runners rang cowbells given out by Lehigh Valley Health Network-Schuylkill. Mike Peckman, LVHS marketing and public affairs director, said this is the giveaway's fifth year.
"We just want people to cheer on the runners," he said.
Kyle Price, 35, of Milltown, New Jersey, won for the 11th time, crossing the finish line at 17:40 seconds and holding a Yuengling Traditional Lager.
"I feel great," he said. "I feel like I need more beer."
This year was special for him because his parents came for the first time. He also said he doesn't underestimate the toll the race takes on his body.
"My brain remembers how hard it is every year, but my legs forget until I am doing it," he said.
Ron Trimnell, 55, of New Cumberland, has run in the race at least three times. He finished with a time of 41:39.
He carried an American flag, running with team Red White & Blue. He is part of the Harrisburg chapter that supports veterans. He is currently serving as an active member of the Navy Reserve.
He said he enjoys participating in the race.
"The weather was good, and it was hard work, period," but worth it, Trimmel said.
Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023
