Atlas Twp.-On Aug. 3, about 500 runners and walkers participated in the eighth annual Kayla O’Mara Memorial Road Race.
The 5K and 10K race is in memory of Kayla O’Mara a standout runner at Goodrich High School. Kayla led the cross country team to its first ever Cross Country State Championship by finishing second in the state amongst Division 3 schools that year. She would go on to help Goodrich win a total of 5 State Championships; 3 in Cross Country and 2 in Track. Kayla was killed in an automobile accident on Jan. 24, 2006.
‘We thank the community for allowing us to have this race,? said Erin O’Mara, sister of Kayla. ‘Goodrich High School and the community make it happen each year’their support is amazing.?
More than $50,000 has been raised for the Kayla O’Mara Memorial Scholarship. In 2012 more than $10,000 was awarded for high school seniors.
The top finishers of the 2013 Kayla O’Mara Memorial Road Race are: 10K winners Alana O’Mara (39:49.6) and Jesse Anderson (32:45.6). 5K winners: Brittni Hutton (17:27.7) and Joe Dimambro (15:37.0).