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Maysville's 'Survivor' sets the pace for inaugural 5k
Sunday, April 30, 2006 9:33 PM EDT
Hall, Maysville's "survivor," appeared on the popular CBS reality show "Survivor: Guatemala." With her twin sister, Mindy Hall at her side, Cindy Hall autographed T-shirts of race participants prior to the start of the race, then led the group as it followed the route around Maysville.
"I'm used to getting up early," Cindy Hall said between autographs, noting that the early hour was a little more difficult for her sister. However, when it came to the run, she said her sister would likely be more able to run the entire distance, since she hadn't done much long-distance running lately.
Cheryl Love, the director of the Children's Advocacy Center, fought off the effects of pneumonia as she organized efforts for the fund-raiser.
"The show must go on," she said, adding that she was pleased with the turnout. The first time the center's had the 5K event, Love said getting everything in place was more difficult than she'd expected, but was pleased with the result of the efforts.
"I'm just so glad everybody came," she said.
Seventy-five people pre-registered as participants in the event, Love said, and by the time the race started at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, she expected to have double the number. Funds raised by the event were to be used to match funds provided by the Hayswood Foundation, which is contributing as much as $10,000 to the completion of the second floor in the center's building.
Cindy Hall arrived in Maysville about 1 a.m., less than seven hours before she was to appear for the race after spending the two days prior supporting a foundation for juvenile diabetes, Mindy Hall said. Then, in the evening, she was to make another appearance at a separate function. Cindy Hall said she appreciates that her presence at the 5K run/walk can bring added attention to organizations as worthwhile as the Children's Advocacy Center.
"It draws attention to an organization people might not otherwise think about," she said.
Love said the event was symbolic, and noted that the characteristics Cindy Hall displayed on the show, as well as the characteristics displayed by the runners reflect the same characteristics needed by survivors of child abuse.
"The strength and fortitude it takes to run a race is the strength and fortitude it takes to survive," Love said. "It's a race of encouragement. It's not negativity and statistics."
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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