Kaleb Elswick (20:04:76) and Kaitlyn Ratliff (24:53:89) were the top male and female racers in the fifth annual Buchanan County Autism Awareness 5K Walk/Run.
Held at Bull Creek Pedestrian & Bike Trail in Harman, the event, which is held annually on the third Saturday in April, fell on Easter weekend this year. Misting and, at times, drizzling rain and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees kept some participants at home. Fifteen walkers and runners hit the trail this year.
The event raises funds to support the GFWC Grundy Woman’s Club’s Au-some Summer Swim Project, which provides free swim lessons for individuals with autism at the Buchanan County YMCA, as well as other special projects for those with autism.
Volunteers with Buchanan County Robotics teams annually assist in coordinating the event.
This year, the event raised $485.
Top walkers at this year’s race were Terri Johnson and Carter Mutter.
Other top finishers included: 14 and under age category – Gehrig Johnson (38:35:69) (first), Tyler McNulty (38:58:79) (second), and Liam Johnson (third); 15-19 category – Audrey Johnson (first) and Jeniann Barton (second); 30-39 category – Billy Mullins (21:35:02) (first place); 40-59 category – Scott Johnson (first), Chris Sparks (second), and Jennifer Johnson (third); and 60+ category – Ed Talbott (first), and Mary Talbott (second).
