Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
September 29, 2014 12:53 p.m.
The Tiger Flight Team, scheduled to arrive Friday for the event had to cancel due to weather, but the steady drizzle Saturday morning could not deter the record breaking 520 runners and walkers who showed up to support the Ben Byrns Runway Rally at the Fernandina Beach Airport. The race went off as scheduled with children, teens, and adults taking off for the 5k and 1 mile events. Emcee Aaron Bean provided the spirited commentary and encouragement to the competitors and welcomed them across the finish line.
As one runner told the Friends of Fernandina Aviation volunteers on the runway, the weather was perfect for runners, providing a cooler, moist climate and little heat danger as participants, ran, walked and strolled across the finish line.
The winner of the 5k race was Will Weaver. But the biggest winner was the Ben Byrns Foundation, which parents Ken and Laurie started two years ago in memory of their 20 year old son who died after an accidental prescription pain drug overdose. The foundation supports organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs to raise awareness of smart choices for teens regarding drug and alcohol use.
Fernandina Beach High School won the top prize of $500, presented to Jane Arnold by Rick Keffer and other prize winners were also announced amid the excitement of the event. A silent auction followed and many groups volunteered and sponsored the event.
Planes were set up on the runway for touring afterwards and Andrew and Cass, photographers from Atlanta, provided the drone in the mist, taking pictures from above. Andrew Haynes controlled the drone and his fiancée, Cassie Reeves took photos and handed out cards to the crowd. All in all, the event was a big success. For more information about the foundation click on www.benbyrns.com and for information on the Tiger Flight Team from Rome, Georgia click on www.tigerflightfoundation.org.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.