Staff Writer

Sept. 18, 2000 10 PM

The success of Saturday’s Big Brothers Big Sisters 5K was a community effort.

Sandra Butler, who oversees the organization’s community-based program, said the second annual race was bigger than last year’s by about 50 participants.

"Everything went well," Butler said, quickly adding it wouldn’t have been a success without help from many volunteers.

"It was a big success," Butler said. "I hope, each year, it grows.

"We hope people realize it’s for a very good cause."

Tennie Jarrell, who oversees the school-based mentor program, said the 5K run "has been a great thing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County."

But, both agree the program’s biggest success is giving positive role models to the area’s youth.

All the money raised through the 5K race goes right into Pike County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Some of those who chose to help the cause and get in some exercise on a fall-like Saturday morning included Brandon Britton, the men’s overall winner with a time of 17:26 and Kelli Garrett whose 21:58 time made her the overall women’s winner.

In the 12 and under category, Will Dailey was the first place male; Dorothy Terry, first place female and Ivana Terry, second place female.

Neil Sims and Lauren Patterson placed first in the age 13-20 category. Bill Chinberg finished second for the males in that category, followed by James Holliday. The female second place ribbon went to Kim Unkenholz and third went to Susan Chinberg.

For those ages 21-30, the male winners were: Britton, first, Michael Gover, second and Jeremy Luker, third. Female winners in that age bracket were: Marla Ingram, first, Robin Fountain, second and Jana Grice, third.

In the age 31-40 category, Andy Ortega finished first among the males, followed by Joseph Reid, second and Earl Franks, third. Garrett was the first place winner in that age group and Gwen Motley took second place honors to Julie Parish’s third place.

Jim Parrish finished first for the males 41 and older. Rick Stetson came in second and John Schmidt finished third. Female winners in that age bracket were: Lisa Fuller, first, Diane Sims, second and Faith Weathington, third.

Phi Mu received an award for the Troy State University club with the most participants.

Psi Chi was recognized for the Volunteer Participation Award and the Twilighters received an award for high school club participation.