The third annual Citizens Assist Run/Walk was a rousing success last Sunday as nearly 150 runners and walkers participated in the 5K/5 Mile event that is the primary fundraiser for Project Live UP which seeks to help residents of the Valley deal with

Nearly 150 runners and walkers participated in the 5K/5 Mile event that is the primary fundraiser for Project Live UP.

issues related to substance abuse.

            Runners and walkers navigated the cart paths that snake through the scenic Macoby Run Golf Course in Green Lane. A few also ran the race virtually.

            Project Live member Erin Sweed, who was the organizer of the event, said, "I was extremely happy with how the day turned out. I was most excited about the kids who all turned out to run and support the cause. That alone brought a smile to my face."

            The overall female winner of the 5K was Abigail Rowland (23:33) and the overall male winner was Hunter Adelsberger (21:34). In the 5 Mile, the top female finisher was Kristen Reed (31:48) and the first male was Donnie Miller (31:11).

            Volunteers from all walks of Valley life, among them the Lions, DJ Bob McCarty, announcer Bill Zimpfer, East Greenville councilwoman Angie Fegely, Pennsburg Fire Co., Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance, employees of the golf course, Project Live members, and many others also donated their time to the event.

Whole some folks chose to run the course for the event, others opted to walk the winding cart-paths through the golf course in Marlborough  Township.

            A large contingent of Leo club members from Upper Perk High School was also present and members of the high school choir sang the national anthem before the start of the event.

            "I'd like to extend an extra-special thank you to our volunteers who, without you, this day could not run as smoothly and as happy as it did," Sweed said. "The high school volunteers especially were awesome. They worked very hard and made sure all participants were happy and informed."

            Sponsorship, fundraising and registration fees resulted in Project Live grossing over $15,000. Once expenses are paid, money will also be doled out to The Open Link and area first responders.