St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk

On Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, a record-setting 974 runners and walkers participated in the 18th annual St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk held along Meridian Road in Gibsonia. TRACO "The Windows and Doors That Greet The World" was the signature sponsor and UPMC Health Plan was the course sponsor.

Scott McGeary, 21, of Harrisburg won the 18th annual St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K with a time of 16:05. Capturing first place in the women's division was Kacey Gibson, 19, of New Castle with a time of 17:56.

The second place overall male finisher was Dave Masse, 25, of Oakdale. Masse's time was 16:11. Third place was Alex Lochner, 18 of Gibsonia with a time of 16:29. The second place overall female finisher was Elaina Balouris, 17, of Allison Park with a time of 18:35. The third place overall female finisher was Jess Zozos, 19, of Glenshaw with a time of 18:41.

New this year, due to the large number of senior athletes who registered, the traditional 70 and older category was divided into 70-74, 75-79 and 80 and over. Lou Lodovico, 85 of Ellwood City, finished with a time of 27:53. Margretta Lutz, 80 of Saxonburg, finished with a time of 30:34.

The winner of the wheelchair category was Rachel Brem, 38, of Wexford with a time of 51:43.

The top three corporate teams were:

Dick's Sporting Goods
David Masse, 25, 16:11
Matt Mechlam, 25, 19:57
Tom Retzlaff, 45, 21:22

TRACO
Randy Black, 44, 20:17
John Wetzel, 51, 23:29
Chris Solliday, 21, 26:54

Aviva
Daniel Williams, 23, 22:20
Dante Capozzoli, 22, 25:26
Andrea Carik, 21, 25:58

Trisha Pittman of WPXI-TV and Shelley Duffy of Star 100.7 hosted the awards ceremony. Deven Brunsell, winner of the 2009 Kean Idol Vocal Contest sang the National Anthem. In addition to a great performance by the band Dance, Dance, Dance, the post race party was a blast. Those present were able to enjoy wings, pizza, beer, doughnuts, fruit, italian ice and more, all donated by local businesses. Additionally, all race finishers were eligible to win more than $2,000 in prize giveaways.

Proceeds from the St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. The fund supports the poor and low-income patients of St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas. Since its founding in 1900, it has been St. Barnabas' mission to never turn a patient away because of their inability to pay. In 2008 alone, St. Barnabas provided more than $4.3 million in free care.

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year's race, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.

For more information contact Margot Kreutzer at 724-444-5512.

Click here, St. Barnabas Medical Center Race Results