The  Labor Day 5k for Fair Trade Certified Awareness was held Monday Sept 7th at the Culpeper Rec Club.  I would have to say it was a great success even if 30 some participants showed up. We opened with a moment of silence as we remembered  the  two  young athletes that passed away  recently, leaving a big void in Culpeper and surrounding counties. .   Both were soccer players, Alana Hester (CCHS)  and Preston Herton (Mary Washington player) .

If they didn’t know what  “Fair Trade”  was before,  5k participants  left knowing how they can make a difference in a third world all the way from  Culpeper.  The Fair Trade Certified symbol is recognized around the world by consumers  to identify products and goods that are helping empower producers in 3rd world countries .   Well, let’s just say NOT everyone knows what the symbol really stands for, but 30 more folks coming from Winchester, Bealeton, Orange, Rixeyville and Culpeper do now :)    Several locations in downtown Culpeper all sell  Fair Trade goods. They are The Thyme Market,  The Green Nest (all organic!) ,  Frenchman’s Corner and The Cameleer.  There may be others and we will post them as we find out.

Walkers and runners  faced a very challenging course  for the 3.1 mile event,  but overall honors went to our youth once again – Two  Culpeper County students. Patrick Wallace (16)  21:52 and , Alexis Knipfer (13) 28:53 won it for the men and women.  There were many first time runners  and the kids turn out was fair with 6 children racing the one mile for the first time.  The smile on their faces as they each received a medal and their choice color balloon was priceless!!

8 year old Gabriel beams with pride over his medal

Fair Trade is a movement that empowers producer growers in developing countries to give back to their communities. It guarantees fair wages  and a social premium for their hard work so  that they may compete in the global market ..  They decide democratically as a group how they will use that premium to improve their communities.  Through Fair Trade Certification there is hope for the future.  The event was sponsored by World Bean Roasthers  with marketing support from  Transfair USA, . For more information on Fair Trade Certified visit www.Transfairusa.org .

Thank you so much to the following businesses for their contributions and/ or support of Fair Trade Certifed.   Culpeper Recreation Club, TransFairUSA.org, Frenchman’s Corner, Thyme Market,  the Green Nest,  Beckers Sporting Goods, IHop, Subway, CJ’s ice cream, Culpeper Thai, Martins Groceries, Safeway, The Virginia Runner, Cindy Wenzel Massage, Caren Wilson, Lula Blu Boutique, Pancho Villa, Golds Gym, Eds Awards, Honey Ham Cafe,  Chik Filet, Gusto di Vita, Corinne Smith’s Printing,  FORD Events (Konrad Heller) , Bud and the Boyz,  Triple Creek Farm and www.GreatOutdoorEndeavors.com .  Thank you Star Exponent , Culpeper Times and Stellar Bank for kindly promoting.

I am very grateful to my family and friends who gave up their morning  to help out today. Caren and Seth, Randy  and my mother , Tony, Cathy Lee, Sue Norlander, Jennifer Smith, Courtney,  Joe and Abby, Valerie & Mike Webb, Carol Sprouse – Devon with the Rec Club :) Special thanks to Patrice Barklund – VP Culpeper Rec Club.

Results 5k MEN

Taevyn, 3, completed a mile!

Patrick Wallace ———- 21:52  (1st overall Men )
Richard Young ————22:21 (1st  age group  50-59)
Neal Reimenschneider -22:58  (2nd age group  50-59)
Gator Beierhuizen —-24:18   (1st  age group under 19)
Matt Gregory ———-24;19   (1st age group 30-39)
Ed Norlander ———-25:07  (3rd age group 50-59)
Mark Ramey———–26:45  (4th age group 50-59)
Jason Shirley ———29:07  (1st age group 20-29)
David Dejarnetter —29:15   (5th age group 50-59)
Tim Smith ————-30:41  (1st age group 40-49)
Barry Atchinson ——31:44  (2nd age group 40-49)
Robert Gurtler ——– 32:43  ( 1st age group 60 & over)
Joshua Haught ——–35:42  (2nd age group 20-29)
Gabriel Bush (8)  Walker

Results 5k WOMEN

Alexis Knipfer (13) 28:53. ( 1st overall ladies)
Elayna Gregory —- 29:25 (1st age group 30-39)
Joy Shewbridge — 31:45 ( 1st age group 40-49)
Lynn Kritter – ——– 32:38 (1st age group 50-59)
Jane Dodson ——- 33:46 (2nd age group 40-49)
Norma McGuckin —35:43 ( 2nd age group 30-39)
Kristen Hawkins —- 38:57 ( 3rd age group 30-39)
Margaret Vance —– 43:14 ( 2nd age group 50-59)
Jane Kim (walker)
Heather Whipple (walker)
Jan Thayer (walker)
Lucy Hunt (walker)
Mary Shirley (walker)

Kids One Mile  Fun Run

Nathan Gregory
Lauren Knipfer
Brittany Knipfer
Charles Roberts
Samantah Roberts
Taevyn (3)