Hundreds compete in Run for Food

By Michael Paul
Sports Editor
Ben Huffman, 17, of Waxhaw, won the ninth annual Run for Food half marathon Saturday at Ocean Isle Beach.
In sunny, 45-degree weather, Huffman ran the course in 1 hour, 18 minutes, 55 seconds.
Peter Deucher, 19, of Front Royal, Va., was second in 1:21.28. He won the race last year, when he ran the 13-mile course in 1:18.12. The course took runners over the high-rise Odell Williamson Bridge to the mainland and back to the island.
Adam Cornelius, 29, of Rockwell, was third in 1:23.36.
In the women’s race, Misty White, 37, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., was first in 1:31.24 and 11th overall.
Emma Astrike, 16, of Durham, was second in 1:32.17 and 15th overall.
Jessica Bishop, 37, of Chapel Hill, was third in 1:33.54 and 18th overall.
In the 5-kilometer race, David McInnis III, 16, of Sumter, S.C., finished first in 20 minutes. Nicholas Graham, 22, of Raleigh, was second in 21:58. Craig Gilbert, 53, of Durham, was third in 22:26.
Joshua Evans, 14, was sixth in 23:40. Luke Evans, 12, was seventh in 23:41. Thomas Teeters, 10 of Shallotte, finished 14th in 24:19.
In the women’s race, Nancy Astrike, 45, Durham, was first in 23:44, winning by 0.01 seconds over Christin Coulson, 31, of Sumter, S.C. Nancy Astrike was second last year by 0.13 seconds.
Cherie Browning, 37, Oak Island, was third in 24:08.
Hope Simmons, 12, of Shallotte, was the fourth-fastest female, finishing in 24:45 and 17th overall.
The race is a fundraiser for the South Brunswick Interchurch Council Food Pantry. The South Brunswick Interchurch Council is a nondenominational Christian organization that offers help and hope to neighbors in need. Member congregations work together to assist in the areas of food, clothing, shelter, utilities, life skills and spiritual guidance.
The event attracted 376 runners (186 in the 5K, 190 in the half marathon). In 2012, 572 runners participated (284 in the 5K, 288 in the half marathon). In 2011, the event attracted 406 runners.
Race results are at wilmingtonroadrunners.org.
Michael Paul is the sports editor at the Beacon. Reach him at 754-6890 or at sports@brunswickbeacon.com.