Run For the Money is an event put on every year by the Community Foundation of Gaston County. The Foundation puts on this event to help non-profits in Gaston County do their important work. This is accomplished by using their large endowment as an incentive to raise money for over 100 non-profits. In 2007, the Foundation matched 64% ($6,400) of the first $10,000 raised for these non profits. Since the Conservancy raised $15,695 the base amount returned to the Conservancy was $22,095!
In addition to this match, every year Run For Money is a festival event held at the end of March in downtown Gastonia. Everyone gathers to celebrate the work of these groups. There are booths and family fun for all! Additional cash prizes are given to the charities for best booth, costume, and even a karaoke contest. In 2007 there was also $11,000 allotted to winners (age groupers and overall) to a 5K road race. Those individuals who won could allocate their winnings to the non-profit of their choice.
This year, the Conservancy fielded an impressive fourteen runners. Many thanks to the following individuals!
(Back Row, Left to Right) Chris Cummins, Stan Austin, Chris Page, Ryan Murphy, Scott Bodien, Dave Cable
(Front Row, Left to Right) Nancy Pierce, Brett McLane, Scott Woodbury, Sean Welsh, Jocelyn Sikora
(Not in picture) Chuck Meakin, Mike Murphy, Marie Winget
These runners won 7 positions for a total of $3,500, which was donated to Catawba Lands Conservancy! This returned a total of $25,595 for our land conservation mission.
The Conservancy's top finisher was Scott Woodbury, whose 17:16 time (5:34 minute mile pace) placed second overall. He won $500 for first place in the Male 19-29 age group category
Next in was Brett McLane. He placed fourth overall and won $250 forsecond place in the Male 19-29 age group category
Close behind Brett was Chris Cummins at 18:29. He won $500 for first place in the Male 30-39 age group category.
Proving you do get better with age, Eastover Ridge Site Steward Mike Murphy glided in right behind Chris at 18:36, an even 6:00 minute mile pace. Mike easily won $500 for first place in the Male 50-59 age group category.
Charlotte native Stan Austin was next in at 19:13. He won $250 for second place in the Male 30-39 age group category.
Top female honors went to Jocelyn Sikora, who easily beat last year's female winner at 19:42. She won an amazing $1,000 for her stellar performance!!
Local triathlete Ryan Murphy was next in at 19:57 - great job Murph!
Sean Welsh had a strong finish at 20:08!
Chris Page was next across the finish line at 20:17, still well under a seven minute mile pace!
Staff member Scott Bodien (no clear finishing photo) was next across the line at 20:36. While he didn't win any money, it was his best 5K time ever!
Conservancy volunteer Marie Winget was next across the line at 21:14. This time was the second best time for a female, also besting last year's female overall winner. Marie won $500 for placing first in the Female 30-39 age group category.
Executive Director Dave Cable was the next Conservancy runner in at 26:24 - way to go Dave!
Longtime volunteer and official photographer Nancy Pierce (no clear finishing photo) finished at 27:15!
Runners Scott Woodbury, Brett McLane, Chris Cummins, and Chris Page before the race
Almost 450 runners finished in the race to raise additional funds for their non-profit! Results are posted here.
Do also check out this photo gallery from the Gaston Gazette.
