On Sunday, Oct. 14, the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners (STAR) will commemorate the 30th running of its 5 kilometer run and walk that has become the STAR Founders’ Day 5K. The first running of this event was held 30 years ago on Oct.11, 1982, and led to the founding and organization of STAR. Held every year since then, the 3.1 mile race commemorates the founding event and recognizes the volunteers, leaders and sponsors that have kept STAR active for 30 years.
A photo of the 1982 start shows the runners stretched across the waterfront apron near the Coast Guard dock ready to go. This was a no-frills event — no one was wearing a number and the only amenity was one water stop. Records for this event have been hard to reassemble, but the organizers – Wayne Frederick, Sydney Rogers and Roy Watlington — remember about 30 people showing up, including several who would become STAR founders and future leaders. These included Therese Hodge, LaVerne Ragster, Errol Jackson, Ron Taplin and Ward Wascoe. It is likely that Hodge, who is STAR’s stalwart leader today as well as organizer of the IAA cross country season for St. Thomas-St John, finished first for the women. She was very fast. Also likely was the victory over the men of outstanding CVI miler Paul Koku, who is seen in the front of the photo.
Registration will take place from 6:15 to 6:50 a.m. in the Fort Christian parking lot. Starting there, the course goes west along Veterans’ Drive and ends at the UVI Sports & Fitness Center. Both walkers and runners are encouraged to participate: Walkers will start promptly at 7 a.m. with the runners starting 10 minutes later. There will be two water stops and refreshments at the end. Registration fees are $3 for the general public
but $2 for STAR members and $1 for youth under 18. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded in four age groups, both female and male.
For additional information, contact Roy Watlington at 777-8183 or by e-mail: rawatlington@earthlink.net
