On Saturday, August 15 Riverview HealthCARE held their 2nd annual Blackcat Run 5K. The name of the run comes from the team name of our community high school, the Prestonsburg Blackcats. This event is held as a kick-off to the high school football season.
The community turned out dressed in their Blackcats apparel and gathered at the football field. The event began with pre-race instructions and prayer from Chaplain Phillip Ramey. The runners then gathered on the track for the start of the race. The participants began with a lap around the track, then exited the field to run through the streets of downtown Prestonsburg with many spectators cheering them on.
The 3.1 mile coarse ended back at the football field with a final lap around the track. Each runner was awarded a custom made Riverview Blackcat Run finisher medal as they crossed the finish line. After the race was the awards ceremony.
The top 3 overall male and female finisher received a trophy in addition to the medal they already received. The excitement grew even more after the awards ceremony as a drawing was held for door prizes donated by area businesses that included everything from gift cards, to tools, and even a flatscreen tv.
Everyone in attendance was treated to free food and drinks as we fired up the grill for a tailgate party. What a great event for the whole community. All proceeds from this event will be used to buy Christmas gifts for all of our elders at Riverview. Planning has already begun for next year’s event.