What better way to support a cross country program than to run.
Simply walking was welcome, too, during the 11th annual RAM Run, held on the bright, eventually warming morning of Oct. 6 near Pie Traynor Field at North Park. Proceeds benefited Pine-Richland cross country, along with Wexford, Richland, Hance and Eden Hall Upper elementary schools.
Participants of a wide range of ages made their way through portions of the park, first during a mile-long run/walk and later in a 5-kilometer race. Medals were awarded to top finishers and all children who participated in the run/walk.
The event, which started more than a decade ago as Wexford Elementary’s RAM Run, eventually was taken over by the Pine-Richland Cross Country Booster Organization. Tara Yanni, president of the boosters, served as race coordinator for 2024 and was happy with the turnout.
Featured between the 1-mile and 5-kilometer activities were demonstrations by martial artists from Zang Taekwon-Do in Pine. RAMMY, Pine-Richland High School’s mascot, attended to greet guests and help make sure that the runners stayed on course.
Winning the 5K was Tom Edwards of Oakmont, with a time of just under 18 minutes. Three teenagers finished second through fourth, respectively: Judah Kaufmann, Patrick Morrow and Benjamin Kaufmann.
The top female finisher and fifth overall was Pine-Richland Middle School eighth grader Taylor Bulevich, at 20 minutes, 17.75 seconds. And Robert Block of Wexford was first among runners pushing strollers, finishing in just under 28 minutes for the approximately 3.1 miles.
