NEW BOSTON ― Sponsors of a Relay for Life 5K “race” made a wise decision when they chose to have the run kickoff early Saturday morning rather than later in the day.

Registration was at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of Genesis and Interim Health on Gallia Street and the run began promptly at 8:30 a.m. under sunny skies and temperatures suitable for shorts.

Later, in early afternoon, rain and thunderstorms were the order of the day.

There were 102 runners, walkers and strollers who registered to go the 3.1-mile distance.

“The event was very successful,” said Hope Blizzard of Genesis.

The 5K, sponsored by Southern Ohio Medical Center and DeLille Oxygen, was hosted by Genesis and Interim Health as part of its Relay for Life fundraising goal to benefit the American Cancer Society.

There were 65 participants who pre-registered, paying $15 each, and 37 who registered the day of the race and paid $20 each. That accounted for a total of $1,715 and each participant usually had others who donated money toward sponsorship of a particular runner.

“We hope to raise $4,000 to $5,000 with this race alone when all the sponsorships and registration fees are in,” Blizzard said. “We’re thankful for those who participated and thankful for the backing and help of Mayor Jim Warren, the village council members, and the police and firefighters. The event went smoothly, thanks to all of them.”

Participants made their way to Stanton Avenue then back and around Millbrook Park. Much of the course was through the alleys, and traffic didn’t have to be detoured.

The overall winner was Paul Webb, 24, a corrections office at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. He covered the distance in 16 minutes, 20 seconds.

The fastest time among females was turned in by Katie Coldiron. Her time was 22 minutes, 2 seconds.

Blizzard said she hopes to make the event an annual one.

“It brought a lot of people out, and it’s for a very good cause,” she said.

It was held last year and we raised $1,700,” said Rosie Williams, Relay for Life chairwoman.

The team captain was Dawn Barker.

Blizzard said the team’s goal is to raise $30,000 through all manner of fundraisers.

The money will be turned over to the American Cancer Society during the countywide Relay for Life in June at the Scioto County Fairgrounds.

“The money raised is used to fight cancers, not just breast, prostrate, lung, but all cancers known to man,” said Williams. “The money will not only help with research that will eventually slay this silent killer, but will also provide funds for our own SOMC Cancer Center.”

The relay itself doesn’t happen until June 24, but getting organized for it began in January with the organization of the various teams.

The goal is to raise at least $72,000 overall, which is $5,000 more than the relay teams were able to bring in with last summer’s event.