Last year’s race attracted 126 racers. Only 86 competed in the race, however, after Hurricane Matthew forced the school to shift the race to February.
Ortelio Bosch, of Savannah, Ga., the overall winner, completed the 3.1-mile race in 21:50.17. Brienne Sharff, 34, of Eustis, Fla., the fastest female finisher (and sixth-best overall), clocked in at 25:39.42.
Thanks largely to race sponsors — Champions Powersports; Pisces Rising; Saint Paul Catholic Community; KeyWest Resort on Lake Dora; Cutrale; White Aluminum & Windows; Advanced Imaging Centers; Amvets Post 2006; Leesburg Regional Medical Center; Adventure Outdoor Paddle; Citizens First Bank; Deans Services; and WCA of Lake County and Orlando — the college raised more than $5,600. The proceeds supported both the college’s intramural sports program — Beacon does not offer NCAA-sanctioned sports programs — and also the Mitchell Pospyhalla Memorial Scholarship.
Jim and Beth Pospyhalla created the scholarship in memory of their son and former Beacon College student. A motorcycle accident killed him nine weeks before graduation in September 2015.
This year’s race will support the intramural sports program and other needs at the first college or university accredited to award bachelor’s degrees primarily to students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences.
To register for the run (or walk), visit BeaconCollege.edu/5K
Photo: Brienne Sharff (courtesy of Beacon College)