St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk

On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, a record-setting 910 runners and walkers participated in the 17th annual St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk held along Meridian Road in Gibsonia. TRACO "The Windows and Doors That Greet The World" was the signature sponsor and UPMC Health Plan was the course sponsor.

Jake Walker, 20, of Ellwood City won the 17th annual St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K with a time of 15:26. Capturing first place in the women's division was Kacey Gibson, 18, of Neshannock Twp. with a time of 18:45.

The second place overall male finisher was Shane Sarver, 21, of Freeport. Sarver's time was 16:12. Third place was David Masse, 24 of Coraopolis with a time of 16:29. The second place overall female finisher was Diana Filtz, 19, of Penn Twp. with a time of 19:09. The third place overall female finisher was Bethany Walker, 18, of Ellwood City with a time of 19:46.

The top three corporate teams were:

Medrad Stellants
Kurt Kraus, 39, 19:30
Matthew Schrauder, 33, 20:34
Keith Blayden, 40, 21:19

TRACO
Jo Shuman, 35, 20:19
Randy Black, 42, 20:43
Ryan Smith, 31, 22:47

Medrad Integos
Jody Lobert, 42, 21:34
Brian Patterson, 28, 22:22
Eric Talotta, 16, 26:03

Trisha Pittman of WPXI-TV and Shelley Duffy of KDKA radio hosted the awards ceremony. Alex Ammons, Audience Choice winner of the 2008 Kean Idol Vocal Contest sang the National Anthem. In addition to a great performance by the Shelley Duff Band, the post race party was a blast. Those present were able to enjoy wings, pizza, beer, doughnuts, bagels and more, all donated by local businesses. Additionally, all race finishers were eligible to win more than $2,000 in prize giveaways.

Proceeds from the St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. The fund supports the poor and low-income patients of St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas. Since its founding in 1900, it has been St. Barnabas' mission to never turn a patient away because of their inability to pay. In 2007 alone, St. Barnabas provided more than $5.6 million in free care.

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year's race, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009.

For 2008 race results, click here