More than 700 participate in 15th annual Lions Labor Day 5K

Warwick — More than 700 runners and walkers, along with countless enthusiastic spectators and kids came out for the Lions 5K race on Monday. After a weekend that was to be a total washout, the sun was shining and the air was cool Monday morning, perfect weather for a run or walk along the scenic 3.1 mile course in Warwick. This was the 15th annual Lions 5K, which is the group’s biggest fund raiser. The money goes to the Lions Quest program in Warwick schools. But it will also be the last Lions Labor Day 5K - in a way. On Labor Day 2007, the race will be renamed as the inaugural “Carol McManus Memorial 5K presented by the Warwick Lions Club.” McManus, who along with her husband, George, was race director for many years, died in April from pancreatic cancer. Last year, Team Carol helped to raise awareness and money, shedding light on the disease. This year, her family had a strong presence as well, wearing their purple shirts, the color representing pancreatic cancer. George McManus ran, wearing both his number and that of his late wife. Paul Mwangi, 29, of New Paltz, won the race for the second year in a row, with a 15:20 time. Tori Pennings, 16, a student at Warwick Valley High School, was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 18:01. Coach Tim St. Lawrence was the master of ceremonies. When the participants were lining up on West Street Extension near the Middle School, he commented that Carol had sent this beautiful day. As runners and walkers came to the finish line, St. Lawrence was there to cheer them on. He presented trophies, medals, and door prizes to the day’s winners in his own unique way.