Devin Swann of Raleigh glides across the Run for the River finish line Saturday, Mar. 28, 2009, to claim his first place position for the second straight year in Pride of Kinston's 8K race. He beat his own 2008 record for the 4.97 mile course, running it in an astounding 24:18.

2009 Run for the River
Now in the Record Books

It was deja vu at Pride of Kinston's Run for the River held March 28, 2009.

While bands of rain showers held off for the duration, it took Raleigh's Devin Swann a mere 24 minutes and 18 seconds to dash 4.97 miles in the race, thus breaking his own course record set in 2008 when he ran the distance in 24.51.

And in another repeat of the 2008 scenario, Swann was closely followed by Ryan Woods of Boone who ran second in the 8K race, completing the course in 25:43. Woods also came in second in the 2008 race. Admiring crowds gathered in Tiffany West Park on Herritage Street to cheer the awesome twosome as they made their way to the awards circle to claim their prizes: $500 and a Lenox China bowl for Swann and $300 for Woods and an engraved crystal proclaiming his feat.

The Kinston Indians' mascot Scout congratulates the top male runners in the Run for the River held Mar. 28, 2009. From left to right, Ryan Woods of Boone was the second place winner in the male division, Scout, and Devin Swann of Raleigh, first place male runner.

Not to be outdone in the female department, Heather Lee—the first place female runner in 2008 and a member of the Campbell University staff—repeated her accomplishment in this year's run, crossing the finish line at 31:54. She too was cheered as she received her first place $500 check and an engraved Lenox China bowl.

Second place female runner this year came home to Kinston from Atlanta to run and win $300 and her engraved crystal. The daughter of Charles and Marion Classen and a star athlete when she attended Kinston High School, Alex Lonegran brought her new baby girl Taylor, 7 months old, to witness Mom's feat. Her grandparents proudly tended to little Taylor while Alex dashed around the 8K course in 35:03

The third place male runner came all the way from Zimbabwe. Musa Gwanzura, now living in Roanoke Rapids, flew through the 8K race in 25:56. He took home an engraved crystal and a check for $150.00, as did third place female runner, Kinston's own Dr. Joan Perry—a triathlete with international credentials.

Cameron Grady, 22, of Kinston was the first to cross the finish line in Saturday's (Mar. 28, 2009) One Mile Fun Run. Running second (in the background) was Ashley Wentz, 14, also of Kinston.

The flat 4.97 mile course which took runners through the Neuseway Nature Center, downtown, Mitchelltown, and ending on Herritage Street across from the Neuse River was praised by Swann: "It's a nice flat course..." favored by elite runners.

The One Mile Fun run attracted 54 runners and the first place medal went to Cameron Grady of Kinston who chalked up a 6:58 time.

Alex Lonergran of Atlanta, second place female runner in the Run for the River Mar. 28, 2009, gets a welcome massage from her dad Dr. Charles Classen of Kinston after streaking across the finish line.

Pride's Outdoor Events Team leader Kevin Zoltek felt the race was a great success, with as many community volunteers helping out as there were runners. He praised Race Director Tim Knobeloch and the parks and recreation staff as well as Major Ronnie Ingram and his public safety colleagues for their participation and help. "We couldn't do this without their involvement," he said.

Pride director Adrian King was particularly grateful for the 36 sponsors who donated funds and services for the race. "Our sponsors were cheerful givers, and we appreciate them," he said.

The 2010 Run for the River will be held on March 27, 2010. Mark you calendar!

Heather Lee of Buies Creek, NC, top female runner in Pride's Run for the River Mar. 28, 2009 is presented her cash prize of $500 plus an especially engraved Lenox China bowl from Kinston Mayor Buddy Ritch during the post-race awards ceremony. This was her second consecutive win in the Run for the River.

Pride of Kinston's
Twenty-fifth Anniversary Party

A free party in Neuseway Park on April 2, 2009 will kick off a month-long observation of Pride of Kinston’s 25th anniversary. The downtown revitalization organization came into being in April 1984.

The birthday party is being held as a feature of the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce After Hours party, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the park, at the intersection of Gordon and Mitchell Streets, site of the annual Sand in the Streets concerts.

Former Pride board members and directors are being invited as well as representatives of downtown’s business community.

The birthday party will be a free public event. Music entertainment guru Steve Hardy and his Original Beach Party will be featured.

For more information contact Adrian King: 252-522-8003 or aking-pride@embarqmail.com