A cold, blustery rain dampened the participants, but not their spirits as the second annual Brandywine Red Ribbon 5K Run surged from school grounds into the streets near Topton Saturday.
Brandywine Elementary students made up the bulk of the 120 contestants, but the group ranged from a 3 year old in a three-wheeled baby carriage to a 70 year old racer. Also included were high school members of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), who helped put the race together, Brandywine Heights School District Superintendent Andrew Potteiger, elementary principle Stephanie Kelly and a number of teachers.
Ethan Rothermal eased out in front of the crowd at the start of the race and finished comfortably ahead of his next closest competitor.
The event was organized by Nikki Yergey and Carla Lieb, of Fleetwood, for the Brandywine Task Force, which was created to help combat the rise of drug use among young people in the area.
“We were looking for an event that would bring the community together,” said Lieb.
The run was sponsored by 17 sponsors led by the Mertztown Rod and Gun Club and all proceeds will help the task force in its mission of helping the young people of the area avoid the seduction of substance abuse.
