Runners from around the area helped to make the holiday season a little brighter for hundreds of children in the inaugural Grinch Stink Stank Stunk Toy Run in Smithfield on Dec. 8. The event, hosted by the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department and the Smithfield Police Department, benefited clients of Harbor, Inc. and the Johnston County DDS Angel Tree Project. The event included a 5K run and a one-mile “Jingle Jog.” Entry for the event was a new unwrapped toy.

The event was a smashing success with 188 5K runners and about 100 walkers/joggers, more than double what event organizers had hoped for. In total nearly 500 toys were donated during the event.

Keri Christensen of Harbor, Inc. said her organization will now be able to help about 50 children receive Christmas gifts thanks to the Grinch Run.

“Neglected and abused children who might otherwise not get gifts for Christmas will now get them,” said Earl Marrett, Director of Johnston County Social Services. “Thanks to the Smithfield Police Department, Smithfield Parks and Recreation, the sponsors and the community for making the lives of these children a little happier.”

Overall winners for the event were George Berg in the men’s division and Sara Stephenson in the women’s division. Jaclyn Young received the most courageous runner award. She did most of the race in her wheelchair but ran the final 25 yards across the finish line.

For more photos from the event, visit sraconline.com.

From Staff Reports