Hundreds at annual Veterans Day Run and Walk
The cold temperatures did not stop hundreds of runners Monday morning from participating in the Annual Veterans Day Run and Walk as part of Porterville’s full day of Veterans Day festivities.
Nearly 300 participants gathered in front of the City Hall to warm up and get their run, jog or walk started. Among all the participants, a few canines also showed their presence.
The race started at 7:30 a.m. sharp, and Porterville Parks and Leisure Services Director Donnie Moore directed runners and walkers according to the distance of the race they signed up for.
Runners and walkers were able to register for the 5K, 10K or 5K walk that started and ended in front of the City Hall. Over 230 participants either walked or ran the 5K trail.
Those who ran or walked the 5K from the start headed North on Main Street, took a right on E. Henderson Ave., another right on N. Plano St., a right on E. Olive and lastly another right on N. Main St. before getting to the finish line.
First place winner of the 5K run was Brien Friedman, 28, who finished the race in 18 minutes. Friedman mentioned he recently moved to Porterville in July to coach the Porterville College Cross Country team, and mentioned when he learned about the race the couldn’t miss it.
“It was fun. It’s a great course, really flat, its was fast, it was awesome,” said Friedman, who added he had been running and preparing for the race. “It’s awesome. I don’t win a lot of stuff, I coach athletes, I coach them to win, but I’m just not that talented, so it’s fun to win. It was a great day.”
Second place for the 5K run was Peter Oviatt, 49, who finished the race in 18:15 minutes, followed by Seth Ishida, 49, who finished third with a time of 18:27.
The 30 10K runners headed North on N. Main St. up to W. Reid St., where they made a right turn, and another night turn on N. Plano St. The race continued as they headed South on N Plano St, made right turn on Oak Ave., and a last right turn on N. Main St.
First place winner was Jesus Salas Jr., 23, who ended the 10K run in 34 minutes. The second place winner was Maximo Roldan, 55, who finished in 39 minutes, and third place went to Angel Roman, 18, finished in 40 minutes.
Awards were given to the top three finishers in every division, and each pre-registered participant was guaranteed a long sleeved commemorative t-shirt.
Kids waiting with parents were also invited to join the Kids Race. Their race began a couple blocks down N. Main Street up North to the finish line, where they were awarded with medals for their participation.
“This is pretty fun and exciting,” said Cody Nix, who was waiting at the finish line for his high school friend. Nix added, “Last year my friend and I did it, but today it was just too cold for me.”
Nix said he hopes to participate in the run next year.
“I think it’s an important event,” said Nix. “We are honoring veterans in a fun way.”