Inaugural '5K with Dr. K' a Huge Success

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Participants of all ages enjoy a great start in the first President's 5K Run/Walk Challenge at SUNY Canton Thursday afternoon.

CANTON, NY (05/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Nearly 120 runners and walkers joined SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy on Thursday, May 12 and took part in the College's first ever President's 5K Run/Walk Challenge.

Participants competed on SUNY Canton's scenic 3.1-mile women's cross country race course which is comprised of trails behind the campus and along the Grasse River, an uphill battle near the new apartment-style residence halls, and a finish down near the soccer fields and new athletic complex.

"I was thrilled with the turnout and seeing so many familiar faces from the College as well as the community," Kennedy said. "The weather fully cooperated with us and every participant was smiling as they crossed the finish line. It was a great way to show people that exercise can be fun and I am already looking forward to doing this again next year."

Kennedy was the top finisher in his age group. SUNY Canton men's cross country runner Justin Richardson, class of 2013, finished first overall with a time of 18:40. The top women's finisher was Kristin Shumway (23:02).

The race was one of many events taking place at the College this semester as part of the campus-wide Wellness Initiative, sponsored by the Student Affairs division. Kennedy, an avid runner, was an integral part of starting the Initiative, which has been put in place for students, faculty and staff to help encourage healthy habits that allow the mind, body and spirit to perform at their highest level.

Race Results (includes top-three finishers in each age group):

MEN: 19 & Under

  1. Scott Jeffers
  2. Brennan Dellanore
  3. Harrison DeRuggiero McGuiness

MEN: Ages 20-29

  1. Justin Richardson
  2. Michael Zelyez
  3. Daniel Romlein

MEN: Ages 30-39

  1. John Kennedy
  2. Kenneth Burd
  3. Brandon DaVock

MEN: Ages 40-49

  1. Will Glass
  2. Scott Toth
  3. Randy Sieminski

MEN: Ages 50-59

  1. Jeff Weeks
  2. Rick Bucalo

MEN: Ages 60+

  1. Joseph Kennedy
  2. Toby Irven

WOMEN: 19 & Under

  1. Maria Ricalton
  2. Melinda Whitty
  3. Erin Conklin

WOMEN: Ages 20-29

  1. Kristin Shumway
  2. Jacqueline Danis
  3. Katie Kennedy

WOMEN: Ages 30-39

  1. Lorenda Prier
  2. Mary Beth Sieminski
  3. Jennifer Flint

WOMEN: Ages 40-49

  1. Heather MacKinnon
  2. Louise Parks
  3. Jennifer McDonald

WOMEN: Ages 50-59

  1. Nadia Marano
  2. Valerie Sestir
  3. Susan Law

WOMEN: Ages 60+

  1. Patricia Cassara

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor's, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton's new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 150 courses online each semester. The College's athletic teams belong to the NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. SUNY Canton's 2011 Commencement on Saturday, May 21 will be the first event held in the College's new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center, nicknamed Roos House. The new apartment-style residence hall, featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms, is under construction and will open in August 2011.

-www.canton.edu-