INK! (Investing in Kids) and Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine held a festive event during this year’s 6th Annual Jail Break 5K run and walk fundraiser.
Race day on Oct. 30 began at The Old Jail Museum, 167 San Marco Blvd. in St. Augustine, with several new features, including a race warm-up session, well-known local bands and Halloween costume contest judging along the race route, plus commemorative T-shirts. This year’s unique finishers’ medals were provided, among other perks for race participants.
According to INK! Executive Director Donna Lueders, 462 runners were registered and 447 finished.
“We are thrilled with the enthusiasm that runners and volunteers brought to the race this year,” Lueders said. “There is such great energy at the event, which makes the Jail Break 5K the most fun run in St. Johns County.”
“This year’s Jail Break 5K was another huge success and is easily on par with a Disney race,” said Old Town Trolley Tours General Manager Dave Chatterton. “Participants and visitors all enjoyed the family entertainment and fun, musical performances and one of the most beautiful and scenic courses that I have ever personally experienced.”
Chatterton praised INK!, Historic Tours of America cast members and volunteers who helped make the event possible.
The race included family-friendly entertainment for “jail breakers” who planned their escape from the 130-year-old historic Old Jail venue and ran through picturesque, historic areas of St. Augustine, and scenic ocean, river and Intracoastal Waterway views on the Francis and Mary Usina “Vilano” Bridge. It wrapped up at the Vilano Beach Pavilion.
Old Town Trolley Tours provided runners and on-lookers with shuttle transportation. The event is a 5K USA Track & Field Certified Course.
Top race winners included Andy Nicol of St. Augustine as “Overall Male Champion” with a time of 19:17, and Annabella Fernandez of Ponte Vedra as “Overall Female Champion” with a time of 22:08.
The youngest runners competing and finishing the course with best times include Jack Pies, 9, of Saint Johns at 26:32; and Marina Rafols, 9, of Elkton at 37:34.
The youngest participant in the race was Tessa Stevens, 7, of St. Augustine, with a time of 45:57. The oldest participant was Annette Zadnik, 81, of Palm Coast, with a time of 50:45.
Go to http://www.racesmith.com/results2021.html to view race results.
The race featured a Halloween costume contest sponsored by Ghosts and Gravestones and was reviewed along the route by celebrity judges including St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick; Linda LaCerva, owner of Metalartz Gallery; and Vivian Browning, Vilano Beach Main Street Inc.’s president.
Lindsay Kozlowski of St. Augustine took home first place in the costume contest and a $500 cash prize for completing the race dressed as a dinosaur keeper pushing a wheelbarrow and shovel.
H. Bozard, 7, of St. Augustine, who ran the race with his mother, Stephanie Bozard, won second place for his Mandalorian costume.
Taking third place in the costume contest was Rachael McGrath of Daytona Beach portraying a lady pirate.
Proceeds from the race will be donated to benefit the innovative programs and classroom resources at INK!, which promotes academic success for all St. Johns County public school students and teachers.
