5K Draws Crowd of 7,000

Jun 16, 2012

The third annual Philip Rivers 5K Walk and Fun Run presented by EDCO, drew a crowd estimated at more than 7,000 with 4,000 participating in the race held earlier today at NTC Park in Liberty Station.

 Luis De La Vega, age 26, won the race for the second time with a time of 16 minutes, 14 seconds (16:14). The top female finisher was Mercy Ray, age 30, with a time of 17 minutes, 48 seconds (17:48).  Philip Rivers finished the race at 26 minutes and 10 seconds (26:10), shaving one minute off his time from the previous year.

 “My wife, Tiffany, and I are overwhelmed by all of the support shown by San Diegans,” said Rivers. “The turn out today far exceeded our expectations.  We understand that not everyone can adopt a child or donate money.  But, everyone can tell someone about these children that need forever homes.”

 The race benefited several local foster care and adoption agencies through Philip Rivers and his wife Tiffany’s Rivers of Hope Foundation. Since its creation in 2010, the Rivers of Hope Foundation has granted more than one million to local foster care organizations (not including funds from today’s race).

 Rivers received support from several current Chargers who attended today’s race including: Jacques Cesaire, Jeromey Clary, Antonio Garay, Nick Hardwick, Jacob Hester, Nate Kaeding, Corey Lynch, Le'Ron McClain, Nick Novak, Eric Weddle, and Charlie Whitehurst.

Photos by Johnakin Randolph. 


The overall top finishers included:

Male-

1^st place Luis De La Vega  (16:14)

2^nd place Leon Medina (16:34)

3^rd place Juan Mendoza (16:38)

Female-

1^st place Mercy Ray (17:48)

2^nd place Jennifer Perrottet (17:59)

3^rd place  Maggie Paola (19:16)

For a complete race recap, including top finishers in each age category, please visit www.PhilipRivers5K.com.