There were 24 participants registered for the Moniteau Christian Ministries Center (MCMC) 5k walk / run on Saturday, June 18. The participants stretched and, although it was already a warm day, warmed up before the beginning of the actual event at Village Green Shopping Center. The event was held to raise funds for the continuing service provided to county residents in need Moniteau Christian Ministries Center (MCMC) on Latham Road. According to Board Chairperson David Bailey, 300 families are assisted each month with the food available.
Event coordinator Mike Staton, California, apprised the participants that the usual coordinator of the event, Shelly Higgins, Tipton, had sustained an injury the evening before and was unable to attend. Staton opened the event with a prayer after which the runners began followed by the walkers. This was a non-sanctioned event. Water was provided by Walter Juarez, representative of CountryFinancial.
The event was opened with a prayer by Staton after which the walkers began followed by the runners. This was a non-sanctioned event.
Running winners were: first place - Isaac Ashton, age 11-15; second - Cory Jurgensmeyer. age 11-15; third - Michael Romano, age 16-19; and fourth - Hannah Hill, age 11-15. Walking winners were: first place - Roberta Pate, age 50-59; second - Mary Burger, age 70+; third - Brenda Rugen, age 50-59; and fourth - Lori Bailey, age 40-49.
The fastest time for the 5k run was Ashton's 20:21 minutes.
This was the fourth year for the MCMC fundraiser event. The 2013 5k walk / run was held in Tipton. The 2014 and 2015 events followed the same route as the annual Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival 5k walk / run.
Ashton, Tipton, said his pastor, Brad Homan, of Fortuna Baptist Church got him started him running and he has kept it up. Runners Hill, California, and Alexa Jurgensmeyer, Tipton, both do cross country running. Romano commented he runs to stay in shape and he competes to seek his personal best. Walkers Pate, Burger and Rugen all take part to help MCMC achieve the organization's goals in helping people.