Michael Keeyes and Markelle Taylor were winners in their age groups in the First Annual 10 Mile Run.
Amazingly, Taylor ran 10 miles in under an hour with the time of 59.24.
“First, I like to thank Jehovah God,” said Taylor. “I dedicate this race to my track family, the coaches and all the people who came out to watch.
“We want the outside community to know that we are not what we’ve done. We are in here working on ourselves eternally to be a positive influence and a service when we come home.”
Keeyes, at age 69, set the mark for the 60 and up with the time of 1:22.50.
“This is my therapy,” said Keeyes. “When I run I focus on organizing my priorities and my family. I have run 3,000 miles in the last two years.
“I want to encourage young people, who don’t think they will make it to my age. I say to them ‘What if you do?’ You will want to be in the best of health.
“The better you feel about yourself, the better you would be an asset to the community when you go home. So come join our running family.”
Community volunteer Jim Maloney added, “We all have to remember that we are a part of the same community, if these guys get out or not. Running teaches them to support others and self-discipline. That in turns helps the overall community.
“Some of the guys have been released and ran in races. They have been pulled into another running community, which gives them stable support on the outside and that helps to keep everyone safe.”
The younger runners, Eddie Herena and Chris Sculls, were in a dead-heat for second. On the final lap, Sculls struck out in a fast pace putting some distance between Herena. Like the tortoise and the hare, Herena’s strong patient strides passed Sculls easily.
Herena clocked 1:10.27, and Sculls timed 1:10.31.
“I just stayed with my plan,” said Herena. “I always make sure I leave something in the tank, and it paid off.”
Sculls stated, “I took off too soon. I’ve exhausted myself, but I’m happy with third.”
Sponsor and coach Frank Ruona concluded, “This run was a good transition toward the half marathon. We are slowly moving up. If everybody stays healthy, they should be fit for the marathon.”
