Neither the rain nor the cooler temperatures were able to deter the 84 runners and walkers who braved the elements Saturday, March 15 to compete in the first Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Shamrock 5K run.  

2024 QHS graduate Christian Plata easily out-paced the pack, crossing the finish line in 15:50. Second place honors went to Jairo Salinas with a 19:30 time, and Kenny Nunez followed closely in third place at 19:35.  

QHS cross country runner Jaeda Comeaux was the first lady to cross the line at 22:40. QISD Coach Macy Wilson finished second in the women’s competition at 23:00, and QHS athlete Isabella Crockett placed third with a 25:00 finish. 

Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club President John Wisdom said that they would like to thank all of their sponsors, and a “big thank you to all the participants who showed up in the rain. We hope they had as much fun as we did!” 

The run started downtown and ended with a celebration at Speakeasy Coffeehouse. 

The club raised $6,500 through sponsorships, donations and registrations.

They plan to use the funds to continue their work on their walking trail and for upkeep at the new dog park, which is a part of the trail.