Photo by John Herzog of the start of the boys race in the 2006 St. Joseph's Villa 5K Series #2 race.
What former Virginian preps and current Virginian high school runners will be at this year's St. Joseph's Villa 5K race on Thursday evening, July 26th in Richmond, Virginia. A total of ten races have been held in the summer 5K series since the the race's beginning in 2002. Last year's race attracted some big names including past state cross country champion Michael Chapa and a temporary Richmond resident in well known past national high school running star Ryan Deak. Hosted by Hermitage girls cross country coach Mug Hedley, the Hermitage alumni have faired very well in the race with Cary Chaffee as a three-time winner in the event and Mug's daughter, Katie Hedley as a four-time champ. Girls race starts at 7 PM. Boys race starts at 7:45 PM. Register at the meet ($7 entry fee). Directions to St. Joseph's Villa
All-Time Boys Top 5
- Jonathan Charlesworth - Maggie Walker GS - 15:56 - 7-28-05
- Cary Chaffee - Hermitage - 16:13 - 7-27-06
- Michael Chapa - Tucker - 16:17 - 7-27-06
- Cary Chaffee - Hermitage - 16:24 - 7-14-06
- Ryan Deak - Univ of Colorado - 16:24 - 7-27-06
Girls Top 5
- Ritchie Vaughan - Maggie Walker GS 19:50 7-23-04
- Katie Hedley - Hermitage - 19:53 - 7-14-05
- Samantha Dealto - Maggie Walker GS 20:28 7-28-05
- Tiffany Cross - Atlee - 20:30 - 7-11-02
- Katie Hedley - Hermitage - 20:32 - 7-14-06
Additional Meet History
Katie Hedley has won the event at least once each year for the last four years. 7-24-03, 7-8-04,
7-14-05, 7-14-06
Cary Chaffee has won it three times:
7-8-04, 7-14-06, 7-27-06
In 2002 the meet started with just 24 runners.
The second meet that year jumped to 42 runners
In 2006 89 runners (54 guys and 35 girls) ran in the July 27th meet.