Run for the River Race Director Tim Knobeloch issues last minute instructions to the runners lined up to kick off the 7th Kinston 8000: Run for the River March 31.

Run for the River draws
Largest crowd of runners

Despite a soft drizzle that eventually morphed into a steady downpour, some 266 runners braved the elements to make the 2012 Kinston 8000: Run for the River (March 31) the best attended in the 7-year history of the event.

FRONT RUNNERS: Devin Swann (left) of Raleigh takes early lead in the March 31 Kinston 8000: Run for the River followed closely by Ryan Woods of Boone. Woods has placed second against Swann in two previous races here, but this year he surged ahead to finish first, running the 4.97 miles in 24:50. While the two runners are good friends--once running together on North Carolina State University's teams--they give no quarter as race competitors.

Hailed by several of the runners who spend many weekends competing around the State as "the best 8K race in North Carolina," they praised Kinston's flat 4.97 miles course and the efficient conduct of the race itself. The top three runners—1st place male Ryan Woods, 1st place female Heather Magill , and 2nd place male Devin Swann— complimented Run for the River.

"The Kinston 8000: Run for the River is a top notch event and the Pride of Kinston organization should be proud of a job well done," Ms. Magill wrote afterwards.

The top male and female running athletes are familiar prize winners. The 2012 1st place male winner, Ryan Woods of Boone, ran the 8K in 24:49; he was the runner-up in 2008 and 2009. This year's male runner-up, Devin Swann of Raleigh covered the course in 25:18. Swann was the first place male runner in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and set the record in 2010 by running the 4.97 miles in 24 minutes flat. The 2012 3rd place male runner was Dave Max who placed 2nd in the 2011 race.

Among female competitors, Heather Magill of Wilmington ran to capture her 5th consecutive 1st place trophy at 28:58. Beth Floyd of Hubert came in 2nd and Laura Swann of Raleigh, wife of Devin Swann, took the 3rd place spot. For Beth Floyd, the 2012 race was her 2nd Kinston race...coming in at 2nd place in the 2011 Run for the River.

First place winner Owen White, 12, (center) poses with his medel and family after crossing the finish line during the Run for the River's One Mile Fun Run (Mar. 31) left to right: Grandmother Maidred Stroud who helped Owen practice for the race; Brother Parker, 9; Dad Len White; and Mom Stephanie White. Owen race the course in 7:14 in Neuseway Nature Center. 2nd place winner was Corbett Schaefet, 11, of LaGrange.

Over at the One Mile Fun Run, 12-year old Owen White of Kinston ran across the finish line 7:14 to the cheers of his family. Grandmother Maidred Stroud was ecstatic. "I'm so happy," she exclaimed. "I brought him over here to practice!"

The second place One Miler Corbett Schaefet, 11, of La Grange was hot on White's trail, coming across the finish line just 2 seconds later, running the mile at 7:16.

"Thanks to our 135-140 volunteers, including members of Kinston's Public Safety Department, Parks and Recreation, the Early College program and from throughout the community, this was our best race in its 7-year history," according to Pride director Adrian King. "We also thank our sponsors, some 40 this year, whose support makes Run for the River possible," he added.

Pride's Outdoor Events Team, headed by little bank executive Jeremy Jones, will meet this week for a final evaluation prior to setting a date for the 2013 race.

For a complete list of race results, click here.

Listed below are the sponsors of the 2012 Kinston 8000: Run for the River:

Run for the River Sponsors

Tourism Development Authority
Mother Earth Brewing Company
Kinston-Lenoir Parks & Recreation
Kinston Public Safety

Good Health Sponsors

Affordable Care, Inc.
Tands/Bojangles
Eastern Radiologists
Lenoir Memorial Hospital
107.9 WNCT
the little bank

Fleet of Foot Sponsors

David Albritton
BB&T
Paul Busick & Sarah Mullikin
CDS - Networks & Services
Cherry Energy
Coastal Connections
Corporate Resources
Discovery Insurance
Down East Protection Systems
Dr. Charles Classen
Hampton Inn
Harvey & Associates
Kinston Dental Associates
Kinston Head & Neck Physicians
Lenoir Community College - Theraputic Massage Dept.
Lenox China
m3 Consulting & Services
Perry Management
Rose, Rand Wallace Attorneys
State Farm Insurance Agencies
TACC9
White & Allen

Pat on the Back Sponsors

Commercial A/C Services
Contract Flooring & Design
Evans & Associates
Riverside Bicycles & Outdoor Sports
Sammy Aiken
W.A. Moore & Co.

Call for Volunteers!

Pride of Kinston's annual downtown Clean Up Day has been set for April 28, 2012. A project of Pride's Design Committee, the event, to be held in partnership this year with Kinston's Appearance Commission, has been conducted since 2006.

The aim is to illustrate the importance of a clean and attractive downtown, according to Pride director Adrian King. "An attractive and clean downtown is good for business as well as for aesthetics," he said. "It's a sign of how we feel about our hometown," he said.

Volunteers are invited to gather in Pearson Park at 9:00 am Saturday April 28 for assignments.

Downtown business owners and employees, student groups, civic organizations and scouting organizations are encouraged to volunteer for clean up day. A barbecue lunch will be provided for those participating in the clean up activities.

It was noted that many items carelessly thrown on the ground take a long time to decompose:

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