Junior League hits the pavement for benefit event
The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale recently took to the streets in Fort Lauderdale’s Rio Vista neighborhood for the 15th annual Riverwalk Run, which included a 5K, a five-mile run and a kids’ fun run.
More than 1,000 participants gathered at Huizenga Plaza for the start of the event that, since its inception in 2001, has raised more than $750,000.
Every year, proceeds from the race go toward a community project.
“This year, we are working on a human trafficking awareness program and have partnered with Leadership Broward to get the message across,” said Junior League President Tracy Barbara. “This is all about education and bringing awareness to a serious problem. Over 70 percent of the victims are children.”
Martin Killian won the men’s five-mile, while Lisa Miller was the top female. Sean Breslin was the men’s overall 5K champion and Marlene Persson captured the women’s title.
Killian, 37 and of Davie, runs for the Running Depot team and is looking to compete in this year’s New York Marathon and next year’s Boston Marathon.
“This is a pretty unique race and it is for a great cause, and that always gives me a little more motivation,” Killian said. “This is the first race I’ve won.”
Breslin is a 17-year-old runner who attends St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He used the race as part of his training for the upcoming high school district and regional meets.
“It feels good to win, even though my time wasn’t that great,” Breslin said. “It was good extra training for the track season.”