The energy was high, the competition fierce, and the community spirit unmatched as the 10th Annual M2M Road Race.
More than 300 runners raced in both the 10K race and the 1K Kids Fun Run at the Magens Bay event Saturday, showcasing incredible athleticism and dedication, while supporting the VIMSIA Athletics Department.
Leading the pack in the overall female category, Elise Yoshioka secured the top spot once again, finishing first out of all racers with a time of 42:27. The overall male champion was Sly Villarstiva, finishing second at 42:46.
“The real importance of this event is that you’re doing something outside of your comfort zone,” said race co-director Michael Ennis. “It’s not an easy run. You’re going up and down the hills of Peterborg. To see kids and adults running together, seeing kids running with their parents, completing this kind of course together, that’s bonding. That’s something they’re never going to forget.”
David Arpasi, Athletic Director at the Virgin Island Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy and a co-organizer of the race, said the event has grown into a key community event focused on health and wellness.
“We had a 30% increase from last year, so I think it went really well,” he said. “We had great sponsorship and volunteer support.”
Arpasi said the race also plays an important role for students at the private school, helping connect them with the broader St. Thomas community while raising funds for the school’s athletic programs.
Dr. Brad Kappel has been a lead organizer of the event since its inception in 2013. “It’s so great to have a true community effort like this come together,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see what can happen when people work together to achieve something that’s both personal and rooted in this community. We can’t wait for next year.”
Top Overall Finishers
Women’s Overall Winner: Elise Yoshioka – 42:27
Men’s Overall Winner: Sly Villarstiva – 42:46
Top Male Finishers by Age Category:
10 and Under: Graiden Blankenhorn (1:00:11)
11-15: Rayneil Minaya (48:53)
16-19: Seved Guevara (49:00)
20s: Jason Tajores (46:30)
30s: Sly Villarstiva (42:46)
40s: Jeff Fetterhoff (43:53)
50s: William McConnell (54:30)
60+: Rick Nemeth (54:56)
Top Female Finishers by Age Category:
11-15: Graycen Workman (1:00:09)
16-19: Sofie Kappel (52:24)
20s: Riley Boyd (53:39)
30s: Elise Yoshioka (42:27)
40s: Beth Workman (1:01:41)
50s: Jenny Martin (59:45)
60+: Kirsty Aitken (57:48)
The event also featured the 1K Kids “Fun Run,” where young athletes under 10 years old had the opportunity to compete in a shorter race at their own pace.
Top 1K Finishers
Boy’s Overall Winner: Orlando Alivererti – 3:48
Girl’s Overall Winner: Arianna Overmyer – 3:28
