BATH – More than 90 people participated in the Bath High School Preservation’s first 5K run/walk Saturday morning.
Proceeds from the event will be used to protect and preserve that former high school.
Runners came from across the state to take part in the group’s first race.
“We had folks from Raleigh, Wake Forest, Greenville, Lenore, Cary and all over Beaufort County,” said Jeannie Woolard, one of the organizers of the event.
Raleigh resident Mark Kauffmann won the race, finishing in 19 minutes and 23 seconds.
Washington resident Mac Jones III came in second place at 20 minutes and 9 seconds.
Thirteen-year-old Holden Newman, of Washington, took third place, finishing in 21 minutes and 46 seconds.
“Texas Roadhouse gift certificates were presented to the overall Male and Female winners.  Medals (gold, silver and bronze) were presented to the overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both the Male and Female groups and medals were presented to the Male and Female age group winners,” said Cori Fritz, event coordinator. “A Kindle Fire HD was awarded to the winner of the ‘sponsor a runner’ contest (Patty Selby).”
BHS Preservation started organizing the race last February. They planned the route to take advantage of the scenery and views of Bath Creek.
Woolard said the route provided a great atmosphere.
“There were beautiful views everywhere you turned,” she said. “People were so nice and the weather was gorgeous.”
Woolard said they were so thankful for the support they received from title sponsor Lee Chevrolet and 26 others who made the event possible.
“Along with the title sponsorship by Lee Chevrolet and other sponsorships (corporate and individual), a ‘sponsor a runner’ contest and runner registrations, our 1st Annual 2012 BHSP 5k Pirate Run event today benefiting the restoration and rehabilitation of the Bath High School, raised over $10,000,” Fritz said.
The event was such a success that the group has already announced next year’s date. The second annual 5K will be held Oct. 12, 2013.
The BHS Preservation has a few more events in the works. They will have a Tar Landing Jam Nov. 3 at 304 Tar Landing. Members of the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association, featuring Tommy Edwards and Jack Lawrence, will perform.
The event will start with a community jam from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. People are welcome to come with their banjoes and guitars and join in on the fun.
Admission to the jam is $10 and there will be food available.
“The big event that we have every year is the BHSP Traditional Oyster Roast at Selby Farm,” Woolard said.
As always, the annual event will be held the last Saturday of February.
To learn more about the Bath High School Preservation, visit www.bhspreservation.org, email info@presbhs.org or write to BHS Preservation, PO Box 149, Bath, NC  27808.