Fifty-seven registrants took part in the first SMART5.29K run Saturday on the East End of Charleston, raising college savings money for children adopted from the foster care system in West Virginia.
“This being our first attempt at such a venture, we can’t help but be pleased with the initial event,” said State Treasurer John Perdue, chairman of SMART529’s governing board. “As the folks who timed the runners for us pointed out, we have to be encouraged with the turnout and overall execution.”
The Treasurer’s Office partnered with FrameWorks, an organization which helps place kids in foster care with adoptive families. Money raised from entry fees goes to help fund SMART529 college savings plans for kids who have found homes. FrameWorks helps make the determination as to who gets savings funds. SMART529 is the state’s officially sanctioned college savings plan, administered by Treasurer Perdue’s office.
An initially gloomy, drizzly morning gave way to sun and moderate temperatures. Twenty-three-year-old Caleb Adams blazed to a first-place finish with a 19:59.6 time, which translates to a 6:05-a-mile pace. The top female finisher was Contessa Kennedy of Winfield at 22:53.5. For all results and video of finishers go here.
Pictures of finish line scenes and awards presentations can be found here.