Going the extra mile for literacy

PINE PLAINS — Some tied their shoes tight and some didn’t, but everyone who attended the sixth annual Paige George Literacy Foundation 5K Run/Walk put in the effort in memory of a young Pine Plains girl who was friend and family to many.

With 203 participants last Saturday, Sept. 26, the sunny weather boosted participation in the event easily above the 76 participants from the year before. The crowd was turned into a sea of red, event T-shirts around the Lions Club Pavilion, where the event has always been held.

Paige George was 9 years old when a car accident claimed her life. Her love of reading spurred on the literacy foundation, which has seen significant growth in the past few years, expanding into a day care, tutoring center and scholarship donor to the local high school.

The 5K was brought about because of Paige’s athleticism, explained Steve Ruqus, Paige’s grandfather.

“It’s good to honor her memory like this,� he said, manning the time clock at the race’s finish.

Two races were held. The first was for children roughly aged 4 to 6, and ran a short distance around the pavilion. Three girls sprinted to gold, silver and bronze: Haleigh Funk (4:30), Rachel Beam (4:54) and Alyssa Boyles (5:07).

Then came the 5K, a run bordering Stissing Lake that stretches out to about 3.2 miles. The person to beat in the race has always been Andrew Doar, who was one of Paige’s best friends growing up. Due to a badly-sprained ankle last year he was unable to run, but he had finished first for the first four years of the competition.

But he was back in good health this year and the 15-year-old propelled himself to first place once again, crossing the finish line in 17 minutes, 17 seconds. Casey Austin, last year’s winner, wasn’t too far behind at 17:24, and third place went to Ndue Palushi with 18:37.

It was surely a little frustrating for some of the other runners who train year round for similar events to race against Doar, whose only preparation for Saturday was the time he’s spent on the soccer field with his team this season. That and he doesn’t even bother to tie his sneakers.

“He’s fast,� admitted Austin. “Every time I tried to pass him, he just started sprinting.�

Doar, who now lives in Brooklyn after the family moved recently, explained that his strong bond to Paige is what continues to propel him to victory.

“This race means a lot to me,� he said. “When I’m running I always think that Paige is pushing me. I just put all I have into it and I know she’ll be behind me.�

Paige’s mother, Tammy George, who runs the foundation, said she was excited about this year’s turnout and that a lot of support comes from the groups of runners who knew Paige and are now playing in teams at school.

“The support was unbelievable,� she said. “We’ve raised enough money for playground equipment, which was our goal. I’d just like to thank everyone for coming out and showing their support and making it a success.�