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Runners braved the summer heat on August 19, for this year’s 5K Run & Walk for Diabetes Awareness; this marked the run’s third year. Hosted by EB Smart Enterprise, the event serves as a fundraiser, with the money raised going to various diabetes-related organizations.

Shawanta Smart, treasurer for Smart Enterprises, spoke to the Post-Searchlight about the run. According to Smart, the run raised $1,815, an increase over last year’s total; additionally, the run has gained several local sponsors since last year.

Smart expanded on how the run came to be, namely, her grandparents: “This event is hosted in memory of Emory and Bernice Smart, whom both passed away of diabetes-related complications,” she said. She described the run as “the first step in getting the Smart family, as well as the greater Bainbridge community, healthier.”

The winners for each category this year were as follows:

Men’s: 1st, Roderick Givens at 25:33:00

             2nd, Dexter Lewis at 26:36:00

             3rd, Nelson Taylor at 31:30:00

Women’s: 1st, Crystal Sekula at 25:34:00

                   2nd, Traci Hall at 31:48:00

                   3rd, Tabitha Thomas at 33:38:00

In response to feedback from last year, the run organizers posted this year’s times online for viewing. Smart said they received positive reception this year as well.

“We were happy to see familiar faces from last year, as well as lots of new ones joining us for the first time. Your participation and support will help ensure we are doing all we can to fight diabetes one step at a time as well as honor our grandparents,” Smart concluded.