Runners return for 2023 Wolfson Children’s Challenge

Hundreds of runners hit the streets of downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, January 28, 2023, for the 14th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge. The day of races and festivities raised funds for Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville, the region’s only not-for-profit children’s hospital, serving children of all ages.

The event, which took place at 121 Financial Ballpark in Jacksonville, challenges runners to a variety of different races, including the 55K Ultra, 55K Relay Race, 30K Run and 1-mile Fun Run.

Seven runners tested their endurance in the 55K (34.2-mile) Ultra. The top three overall finishers were Randy Mclendon of Jacksonville (5:01:24.55), Jamie Saunders of Gainesville (5:13:17.73) and Devin Olmsted of Jacksonville (5:21:35.17).

In the 30K (18.6-mile) Run, Jeff Roberts of St. Simons Island, Georgia (2:07:55.36) took the top spot for male runners, followed by John Erickson of St. Johns (2:16:49.81) and David Bonnette of Orange Park (2:20:31.35). Beth Boyer of Jacksonville Beach (2:23:58.90) finished first for female runners, followed by Katie Mahon of St. Augustine (2:55:11.21) and Larissa Buccolo of Jacksonville (3:07:41.98). In total, 18 runners participated in the 30K race.

A total of 84 teams took part in the 55K Relay Race. Never Too Young (4:35:55.91) placed first among all-male teams, while Moms on the Run (6:07:53.44) placed first for the all-female teams. The top three co-ed teams were: PRS Band on the Run (3:36:45.35), Availity Chariots of FHIR (4:00:41.34) and Luke’s Army (4:12:08.96).

For a complete list of runners and placement, please visit Secondwindtiming.com/results.

A total of 250 children and adults of all ages and skill levels participated in the 1-mile Fun Run.
In addition to the race events, participants and members of the public could enjoy food, drinks, and family-friendly activities in the Community Village.

Chris Busby, performance coach and owner of Live Oak Fitness in St. Simons Island, Georgia, served as Chairman of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge for the fourth consecutive year.

Each year, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge also honors 55 current and former patients, known as the “Wolfson 55,” who represent the wide range of services Wolfson Children’s Hospital offers to children of Northeast Florida, South Georgia and the region.

“We are so grateful at Wolfson Children’s Hospital to our sponsors, volunteers and community for their support of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge. Their commitment and energy are inspirational,” said Allegra Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “This community’s ongoing generosity helps to ensure that Wolfson Children’s will continue to fulfill its mission of providing access to the best specialized care for children and families in our community.”

Held earlier this month, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon raised more than $81,000 through community donations for Wolfson Children’s.

To date, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge has raised more than $4 million through the annual event. All proceeds from the event and the telethon benefit the technology support endowment and will be used to purchase life-saving equipment and technology for our most critical patients.