AMERICUS – The Shamrock Jog & Jam, held on March 21 in Americus was a smashing success. The race, which consisted of a 5K and a 14-and-under one-mile event brought 301 total participants to downtown Americus to help raise money for a local non-profit organization.

Around $14,000 was raised for the Scott Law Foundation, which will be used to help provide direct financial assistance to Sumter and surrounding county residents suffering from cancer or other medical ailments.

The 5K event drew 162 runners from a variety of age groups, ranging from 10 years old to 67 years old, to participate in the fundraiser.

Wright Calhoun, who regularly races for the Southland Academy track and field team, won first place overall in the males 5K division with a time of 17:05.8. Charlene Pennymon, two-time Boston Marathon runner, took top honors in the overall females 5K division with a time of 22:53.1. Kurt Anthony won the top spot in the male masters division of the 5K with a time of 20:32.5 and Laurie Dyer won first place in the top female masters division with a time of 27:53.9.

Other male winners in their respective age groups were Creighton Myers, Rupert Dyer Jr., Ellis Ivey, Stephen Moore, Arnoldo Dejesus, Travis Kelley, Chris Phillips, Lee Pinnell, Gil Pittman, Buddy Davis, Keith Wishum, Roger Keel, and Dan McGowan.

Female winners from various divisions were Emily Phillips, Ryliegh Bell, Ramsay Miller, Jazz Garmon, Amber Hodor, Keri Bunting, Leslie Crawford, Spring Minick, Moana Limehouse, Sarah Spier, Jayme Roseth, and Martha Payne.

Calhoun, Dejesus, and Anthony posted the three best times of all the participants.

In the 14-and-under one-mile event, Trent Mays took top honors in the male category while Sam Pinnel took first place for the females.

All proceeds from the event went to benefit the Scott Law Foundation. This foundation aims to fulfill the special financial needs of local patients and their families in order to make the fight for survival against cancer and other medical ailments an easier one. Since its beginning in 2011, the Scott Law Foundation has helped 64 people through donations totaling over $31,000.