Runners of all ages from around the country converged in Stillwater on Saturday, October 9 to support the United Way of Payne County during Eskimo Joe’s 34th Annual Juke Joint Jog.
“We want to thank Eskimo Joe’s and Stan Clark Companies for all of their hard work and for everyone who participated in the run,” said Ruth Cavins, executive director of the United Way of Payne County.
More than 400 joggers from nine different states participated in the jog’s one-mile Fun Run and 5k race. The youngest participant was four years old, and the oldest participant was 78. The top male 5K finisher was Nicholas Thorp of Stillwater, OK with a time of 16:08. The top female 5K finisher was Sierra Jaeger of Stillwater, OK with a time of 22:13. The overall top five male and top five female 5K finishers each received watches courtesy of Leonard Jewelry.
The jog also offered a virtual run sponsored by Stillwater Medical Center.
Employees of Stan Clark Companies volunteered countless hours of their time to organize and promote the race, manage entries and prepare the race day route, which took runners through the Oklahoma State University campus. A group of students from Ripley FFA Chapter also came out to assist with the race.
"Stan Clark Companies do so much for our community and we are lucky to have them here," Cavins said. “Not only did the jog raise money for United Way, but it also raised awareness.”
Kendra Burtrum, public relations director for Stan Clark Companies, was the lead organizer for this year’s jog. Burtrum is also a board member for the United Way of Payne County.
"Hosting the jog is just one of the ways Stan Clark Companies support the United Way throughout the year," Burtrum said. "We believe the work of our area United Way partner agencies is vital to our communities and we want to help them thrive."
The money raised during the Juke Joint Jog will help one out of three Payne County residents through United Way’s 22 partner agencies. This year’s annual campaign goal of $950,000 is based on the needs from United Way’s partner agencies.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about United Way, visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org, call 405-377-2161 or stop by 109 E. Ninth Ave. at the United Way office.