The fourth annual King’s Academy Lion Run 5K & Kids Run was a huge success with 185 die-hard runners participating despite the rain, mud and a 15-minute delay for lightning.
The kids run included a one-lap route around the track where the kids raced against the TKA lion mascot. The 5K race took place on TKA’s 60-acre campus and included a multi-surface, off-road course. Many runners would liken this year’s event to the ever-popular “mud runs” that combine a 5K race through mud with military-style obstacles. While personal times may have been a little slower than usual due to the wet, muddy course conditions, the runners’ enthusiasm was not dampened. Everyone enjoyed the challenge.
Awards were presented to first place overall male and female winners, who repeated their wins from last year — Scott Simpson of the King’s Academy (17:28.9) and Michelle Howell of Seminole Ridge High School (21:48.0). Claudia Garrell of Wellington (23:57.5) and Joseph Kappel of Palm Beach Gardens (19:07.5) were the first-place winners in the master’s division. The Kids Fun Run was won by King’s Academy fourth-grader Mackenzie Weisz (1:56.5), with Cory McDonald and Mia Rodriguez finishing second and third, respectively.
The King’s Academy would like to thank Braman Honda and all the event’s sponsors, especially A Winning Smile Dental Excellence, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company and Whole Foods Market for braving the storm and treating the crowd to balloons, a variety of delicious juices and fresh snacks.
All proceeds from this event benefit the King’s Academy’s annual fund and its mission to graduate Christian leaders.
Above: Some of the medal winners gather after the race.
