8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards W&L's Office of Human Resources recognized individuals with a Spirit Award for the first time.

Human Resources
April 30, 2025

The Washington and Lee community gathered on Cannan Green on Thursday, April 24 to participate in the eighth annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk event. For the first time ever, the Office of Human Resources honored lively participants with a Spirit Award for their enthusiasm. Please visit the Human Resources site to view the results from the 2025 run/walk.

2025 Spirit Award Winners

Most Creative Race Day Outfit
• Runner/Walker: Brian Watts, the Grinch

Grinch-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards
• Volunteer: Wendy Rice and Jane McDonald, the Mimes

Mimes-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

• Group: Student Affairs, the 80s

80sgroup-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

(From L to R): Zachary Funkhouser, Bethany Coffey, Emily Cummings, Hannah Phillips, Colleen Drake, Laura Ulmer, Dave Salge (missed the 80s memo but still vibing with the crew), Tammy Futrell, Leah and Adeline Beard and Ronda Bryant

Most Enthusiastic Volunteers
• The Water Boys

Water-Boys-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

(From L to R): Sammi Taylor, Shelby Fary, Linda Hofmann, Beth Cooper and Jennifer Furrow

Best Photo Finish
• Leah Beard and daughter, Adeline

Beard-Finish-Line-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

Most Creative Race Sign
• “Saved the Best for Last”

Best-for-Last-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

(L to R): Michelle Rothenberger, Patti Colliton and Fio Giraldo Prado de Lewis

100th Finishers
• A tie between Ronni Gardner and Rhianon Ham

Gardner-and-Ham-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards

Overall Fastest
• Bryan Brockbank – Bryan set a new course record for men with a time of 17:42.92.

Brockbank-600x400 8th Annual Live Well W&L 5K Fun Run/Walk Spirit Awards
• Helen MacDermott – Helen was a fastest female runner with a time of 22:50.17. She also holds the women’s course record with a time of 22:07.90 set in 2022.