HOULTON, Maine — A large field of 53 runners and walkers turned out Saturday morning for the seventh annual SFC Aaron Henderson Memorial 5K Road Race.
It was a time for sharing stories and laughs while remembering a serviceman who gave his life serving his country.
SFC Henderson died Oct. 2, 2012, from wounds after an improvised explosive device attack in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Each summer family and friends gather to remember Henderson with the road race and a softball tournament.
“The heart of people really shined through,” said Kiley Henderson, sister-in-law to Henderson.
“I have searched for the right words to put today into perspective,” added Jonathan Kelley of CompetitorME, organizers of the race. “Words like honor, courage, warrior and hero come to mind, but just don’t seem to convey the weight of today or the sacrifice of Aaron. While he was all of these, he was also a son, a brother, teammate and friend. Many of you are here today because of Aaron.”
Chris Rines was the top finisher, completing the rugged 5K, cross-country style course, in 20 minutes, 20.07 seconds. Rines beat out the two-time defending champion, Teanne Ewings, for the crown. Ewings, who won the event in 2020 and 2019, placed second at 21 minutes, 15.94 seconds.
Individual race results for the remaining field of runners and walkers were: 3, Doug Bailey, 23:56.24; 4, Craig Reese, 24:!1.66; 5, Wyatt Oliver, 24:19.46; 6, Brody Little, 25:13.05; 7, Teagan Ewings, 25:21.47; 8, Jason Little, 25:45.30; 9, Larry Hodge, 25:53.95; 10, Natalie Johnson, 26:10.77; 11, John Gaddis, 26:56.84; 12, Angela Ewings, 27:11.71; 13, Victoria Ervin, 27:13.52; 14, Dan Peers, 27:36.41; 15, Kiley Henderson, 27:38.26; 16, Daniel Henderson, 27:53.95; 17, Jason Parmalee, 28:00.83; 18, Evan Lewis, 28:56.84; 19, Isabella Ardell, 29:15.08; 20, James Gaddis, 29:23.25; 21, Evan Clark, 29:44.09; 22, Tori Goetsch, 29:53.90; 23, Wade Goetsch, 31:08.14; 24, Elena Ardell, 31:10.38; and 25, Jamie Stewart, 32:26.83.
In addition, 26, Brent Bailey, 33:51.03; 27, Jon Harbison, 34:07.60; 28, Sam Henderson, 34:50.31; 29, Wendy Lewis, 36:13.75; 30, Casey Tarr, 36:20.03; 31, Danielle Fitzpatrick, 37:29.59; 32, Johana Johnston, 38:02.53; 33, Morgan Grant, 38:16.88; 34, Elizabeth Adams, 38:25.39; 35, William Adams, 38:29.90; 36, Lanny Putnam, 38:32.58; 37, Peggy McGary, 39:03.56; 38, Katie Hafford, 39:13.42; 39, Mary Potter, 39:17.81; 40, Rachel Petrin, 39:33.92; 41, Chris Henderson, 44:12.59; 42, Sarah Williams, 44:38.31; 43, Tim Williams, 44:39.29; 44, Denise Kingsbury, 45:16.26; 45, Geni McIntyre, 47:22.69; 46, S. Bailey, 50:33.02; 47, C. Gray, 51:32.55; 48, Dan Day, 54:01.87; 49, Christian Robinson, 54:05.69; 50, Gary White, 54:06.80; 51, Anonymous Participant, 54:07.94; 52, Jill Hoyt, 1:02:24.21; and 53, Adam Carter, 1:08.06.91.
HOULTON, Maine — August 7, 2021 — Chris Rines of Houlton was the overall race winner of the Henderson Memorial 5K Saturday. Rines finished in 20 minutes, 20.7 seconds. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — August 7, 2021 — The field of runners bolt from the starting gate of the annual Henderson Memorial 5K road race Saturday in Houlton. A total of 53 runners and walkers participated, along with many more taking part virtually. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — August 7, 2021 — Chris Rines of Houlton was the overall race winner of the Henderson Memorial 5K Saturday. Rines finished in 20 minutes, 20.7 seconds. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
