Running for the Celts

Shamrock Hill Distance Run leaders break away from the pack at the start of the 5K race last Saturday.  More than 400 runners lined up at the starting line just as the rain stopped to begin the event presented by the Roanoke Catholic Educational Foundation. Tim Smith of Roanoke (number 676 on far right) crossed the finish line first to win the race.  Smith, 19, ran the course in 16 minutes 15 seconds.  Beni Thompson finished first for the women, with a race time of 20 minutes 51 seconds.  This is the 20th year the race has been run in downtown Roanoke.