Ponte Vedra teen wins Santa Suits on the Loose race

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A record-setting 725 runners, walkers and joggers finished the eighth annual Santa Suits on the Loose 5K Saturday, Dec. 14 at the St. Johns County Pier in St. Augustine Beach. Severe weather at about 4 a.m. may have been a factor keeping some of the 886 registrants from showing up. The first 100 entries received a Santa suit, but many more donned their own version of Santa or elf attire. Every entrant received a tee shirt and all finishers earned a medal.

The fundraiser is 3.1-mile flat course through scenic St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods to benefit St. Augustine Youth Services. SAYS seeks to shape the future of Florida’s at-risk youth by providing coaching, counseling and care in family style therapeutic group homes and outpatient community services. SAYS has provided mental health services for thousands of children in St. Johns and surrounding counties.

“Every year the race exceeds our expectations, especially when we face obstacles such as severe weather,” Chelsea Reppin, SAYS Director of Development said. “Our goal for registrants this year was 800 and it became clear months ago that we would far exceed that number.”

Aiden West, a member of the 2019 Ponte Vedra High School District Champion Cross Country team, was first to cross the finish line with a time of 17:49. His pace average was 5:44.

There were 21 entries from Ponte Vedra Beach. Rahn Huffstutler, 40, was first in his division and 17th overall with a time of 21:57. Dave Hoock, 63, took first place in his division with a time of 22:17. Kay Jones, 78, placed first in her division with a time of 35:20.

“Community support continues to propel the race forward, growing consistently each year in every way,” Reppin said. “We are so grateful to the sponsors, volunteers, and registrants who so passionately support the race and in turn, SAYS programs.”

For complete race results, visit bit.ly/2019SantaSuits.

To learn more about SAYS, visit www.sayskids.org.