Caritas Project Brings 5K Race To Prep Campus

A friendly challenge of a foot-race between a student and faculty member turned into the framework of a thoughtful Caritas project. The speed of senior Matthew Compton was challenged and the idea of the Inaugural Hermits 5K was born. Matthew was joined by fellow seniors Yiannis Balis, Nathan Fondacaro, Gary Martinelli, James Pendzik and Matthew Stefanelli in hosting the event. The quintet of seniors and several volunteer underclassmen accommodated over 100 runners and walkers on a beautiful fall Saturday morning in Richland. Proceeds from the day were set to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Gary Martinelli mentioned, “It was exciting to see so many new faces visiting a campus that we are very proud of calling our home.” Yiannis Balis added, “I was proud to be part of a project that would benefit the youth of our community.” The two scholar-athletes both shared that they hope they’ve started a new tradition at the Prep and plan on returning as participants in years to come.

The spirit of competition spurred the planning of the 5K and as momentum grew, South Jersey Race Timing was kind enough to provide official timing services to handle the results of the race. Runners and walkers included Prep administrators, faculty members, current students, alumni, members of the Prep family and passionate 5K runners who were intrigued by visiting the campus. Age group winners were rewarded with medals emblazoned with the inaugural Hermits 5K logo and now proudly stake their claim as winners of the first event of its kind at St. Augustine Prep!

Results from the day may be found here: http://www.sjtiming.com/Hermits17.html

Video of the finish line may be found here: http://youtu.be/8vFF87sOgvE

Photos Courtesy of Anthony Biagi ’18: