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n this flat, very flat land, the Oriental bridge rises as the only hill for miles around. It rewards those who climb it with a beautiful view in every direction – the creeks, Greens and Smith; the Oriental harbor; Windmill Point; the wide open Neuse. It also gives a good workout. You’ll often see someone running or walking on its shoulders.

The first runners take the bridge.. At right is 1st place finisher, Brad Klimek of Arlington, VA who ran the 5K in 18:54

One warm Saturday morning in December, there was a less common sight as not one, but one hundred runners and walkers took part in Hope Clinic’s Reindeer Run 5k road race. After a start at Town Hall, the course led to the bridge and its 42 foot rise above the creeks.

Fastest woman at the Reindeer Run was Margaret Klimek of Arlington, VA. Her time for the 5K was 20:42, third best overall. Her husband, Brad had the top men’s finish. They were in town visiting Brad’s mother, Linda Parker.

There was a tight pack of the fastest runners at the start, followed by
a steady stream of antler and elfish headgear, and at a slower pace, those who walked the 5k. After a quick turnaround at Pecan Grove and then another bridge ascent, it was back toward town and the rest of the course.

It not have been aerodynamic, but the headgear in the Reindeer Run was fitting for the season.

The Reindeer Run helped net $1700 for Hope Clinic, which provides health care to the uninsured. Hope’s Executive Director Sheri Rettew says that “will pay for full patient care for 3 people for almost one year.”

Ty Rhudy, his sister-in-law Abbey Piner and his son, Evett Rhudy head back in to town and the rest of the 5K course.

This was Hope Clinic’s first Reindeer Run and Rettew says the clinic wants to do it again next year in hopes of attracting three times as many people. A private company is paid to orchestrate and staff the Reindeer Run – the inflatable finish line arch, the recording of times, traffic control. Next year, some ‘‘1st year expenses” won’t have to be paid says Rettew. Expenses such as “getting the course certified.”

Kari Hammond at the finish.

“I’m a little concerned about live traffic,” says Rettew, “but hoping to work that out better next year.” Police slowed or stopped vehicles at the bridge, reducing traffic to one lane as runners occupied the other. And crews stopped vehicles on the streets in town when runners were approaching.

There may have been more vehicular traffic than usual as this 1st Annual Reindeer Run was scheduled for Oriental’s Spirit of Christmas weekend.

Malik Barber of Bayboro on the first run up the bridge. (a second ascent would return runners to town.) He finished 13th.

It’s not yet clear if the 2nd Annual Reindeer Run 5K would take place during Spirit of Christmas 2016 or another weekend in December when the race, by itself could be a stand-alone event to attract runners and visitors to Oriental.

Rettew says she and Oriental’s Town Manager Diane Miller were “going to get together after the holidays to see which day works best for the town. I want to hear any feedback she got from the town residents after the race – good or bad. I heard several folks say they thought it added to the Spirit of Christmas and was a good kick-off, but you never know.”

Where the running shoes hit the road.

Many photos follow.

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17 year old Marlon McIntyre and 15-year-old Alden Sylvester, both of Oriental, went on to finish 5th and 6th.

Shelly and Dave Martin of New Bern came with stroller, others with headgear befitting the season.

Oriental Police Chief Dwaine Moore.

Catherine Cutler of Aurora and Addie Martin of Oak Ridge, NC on the bridge. They finished 19th and 32nd, respectively.

The ever-shy and reserved Turtle Midyette.

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Antlers were a favored headgear.

Some got up the bridge without running. Deb Dickinson pushed her son, Cooper and stroller on the 5K route.

The bridge climb came early in the race.

Caroline Parham Ramsey nears the top of the bridge.

Brad Klimek of Arlington, VA would win the race with a time of 18:54.

Coming and going. Having gone to Pecan Grove, runners (in east bound side of bridge) head back toward town while walkers and some runners make their first bridge crossing.

James Pelsang of Iowa City on his way to 4th place. At left, Alden Sylvester who would place 6th and at right, Ben Bruno who was 12th.

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Back toward town, Alexis Edwards of Oriental who finished 14th, David Schneider of New Bern (16th) and Barbara Miller of Selbyville, Delaware (15th).

Pat Thomaier, followed by Den Dickinson (with stroller) on the way down the bridge and to the remaining – and flatter – route.

Ned Albee at the finish line in the Baptist church parking lot next to Town Hall.

Rudolph may take flight, but other antlered beings had to hoof it.

5K at a more leisurely pace. Katy Pugh descends the bridge. (Several hours later she would be walking a fair bit in the Spirit of Christmas parade.)

It was warm for December, warm enough to curl candy canes.

Robin Carbury’s dog picks up the scent.

Posted Saturday December 26, 2015 by Melinda Penkava