Even the cool breeze didn't stop runners from near and far for a race that will support a local nonprofit agency.
Aiken Electric Cooperative held its annual Run United on April 27 in Aiken. The event, which has been taking place for more than 10 years, raises funds for the United Way of Aiken County.
Run United was broken up into four races: a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile kids Fun Run. Runners came from Aiken to as far away as Philadelphia.
The event also included food, games and appearances by Miss South Carolina and Miss South Carolina Teen.
“It’s amazing that this race grows year after year and there are people that come from all over,” United Way of Aiken County President Ellen Luton said.
Winners of the 5K for females were Aubrey Shoaf in first place, Jaida Lease in second place and Rachael Horan in third place. Winners in the male 5K were Dante Stewart in first place, Cameron Clark in second place and Preston Smiley in third place.
Stewart who is from Grovetown made it his mission to be first because two weeks prior to the race he was dealing with a lot with things going on in the world.
Stewart said he was inspired to see all the kids who ran the 10K and 5K races.
“I think it is just fun to be out here on a Saturday morning, especially with a lot of these young kids, and that is the thing that makes me so happy,” he said.
Clark, a student at Aiken High, was the overall second place winner in the 5K of the race for males. He runs cross country and track at the school and has been doing distance since he was in elementary school.
“I just like running a lot,” he said.
Winners for the 10K in females were Olivia Piscano in first place, Jenafer McCauley in second place and Heather Hadley in third place. For the males, Spencer Dyke was first, Antwain Brown came in second and Andrew Duncan placed third.
Winners in the half-marathon for the females were Sarah Ashton in first place, Mara Argyriou in second place and Tessa Allen in third. For the males, Mark White finished in first place, James O'Brien in second place and Hunter Maynard in third place.
“It makes a tremendous impact on the United Way of Aiken County,” Luton said of the event.
Luton said Run United begins the campaign season and has gotten better over time. Luton said funds raised by the race will support 45 programs that are in critical need. She said the funds raised stay in Aiken County.
“We are extremely appreciative of all the sponsors and the support, and we have people from over 23 different states who competed in the event," she said.
William Sojo, who is originally from Costa Rica but lives in Aiken with his wife, said he had a fun time at the race. Sojo said he and his wife have participated in many big races, including the Cooper River Bridge Run, and had praise for Run United's organization and importance to the community.
“It was really good that my wife did better than me, but it’s OK because we all participated, and it was wonderful," he said.
Keyatta Priester, race director for Run United, was glad to see a lot of people come out for a good cause. She noted that the event enjoys support from many local businesses, both large and small, and it serves as a "collective effort to benefit the United Way of Aiken County."
“This is our way to give back to the United Way,” Priester said. “This is a community event and it’s not just a one-person event, it’s a community event benefiting the United Way of Aiken County."
