Altitude challenge draws record crowd

© 2006 A.Bresciani; pompo.com

TOUGH COMPETITION - The 2006 Valero United Way Bridge Run drew competetive runners from New Orleans and surrounding areas.

Record crowds came out on April 1 to watch or participate in this year's Valero/United Way Bridge Run/Walk.

Participants were rewarded at the end with fabulous food and drink and live music as well as entertainment for the kids.

Last year this event raised over $50,000 for community services for St. Charles Parish.

Runners and walkers from Louisiana and surrounding states crossed the Hale Boggs Mississippi River Bridge. The top overall male runner was Brendan Minihan, Jr. with a time of 16:14 and the top overall female runner was Michelle Friedman with a time of 20:10. Complete results can be found at the New Orleans Track Club website in about 1 week.

The Team Participation Trophy was won by Valero St. Charles Refinery. This beautiful and significant work of art was commissioned by Valero St. Charles in 2004 from internationally recognized artist Matt Touchard. St. Charles Public School System held this challenge trophy in 2004 and 2005.

The top finishers in team participation were as follows: First Place - Valero St. Charles Refinery, Second Place - St. Charles Public School System, Third Place - Monsanto.

Corky Burgard was the lucky winner of the Cornucopia, a huge basket of goods and services donated by businesses in the community.

This event would not have been possible without the generosity of Valero St. Charles Refinery and all of the sponsors and volunteers. United Way of St. Charles thanks all who contributed to make this year's race such a success.

United Way of St. Charles' mission is to lead and unite the community in providing a program of health and human services that is comprehensive, efficient and effective.