United Way has 5K run

Bryan County United Way had its annual Be a Hero 5K and Fun Run Saturday morning in downtown Durant to raise funds for the many agencies UW supports.

Brett Rogers, UW treasurer and chairman of the event, said the event grossed about $20,000 and once expenses are paid, he expects that approximately $12,000 to $15,000 will have been raised for charitable events and organizations.

“So the United Way, of course, gives back to our local agencies in town so this Be a Hero Run allows us to not only to give money to those agencies, but allows us to be out in the community so the community’s aware of the United Way and who we are,” Rogers said. “So not only do we want to give back financially, but civically and just be a part of the community.

One of the agencies that UW will contribute to is Red River Special Olympics that has several events, including a track meet in April.

“We’ll make a big donation to them as well as just our other agencies that are a part of United Way,” Rogers said.

Rogers thanked all of the sponsors who contributed financially and also for sending their employees out to run. The Choctaw Nation’s Promoting Active Communities Everywhere (PACE) is a sponsor of the run.

“We appreciate them choosing United Way as one of their projects so again, our community is great and we’re glad to be a part of it,” Rogers said.

The following were the top-10 runners in the 5K 1. Immanuel-Carl Gerlitz, Durant 2. Lewis Cross, Mead 3. Saulo Castro, Madill 4. Kyson Jefferson, Idabel 5. Logan Sigl, Durant 6. Noah Green, Durant 7. Shod Baker, Broken Bow 8. Kayleigh Blackburn, Durant 9. Les Shumake, Bokchito 10. Morganne Kemp, Mead