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People from the Hoover community and beyond came together to participate in a morning of running and having fun at the 11th annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K and Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 15. (Reporter photos/Tyler Raley)

By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HOOVER – Following a night of tragically bad weather that ravaged the county, the clouds parted just in time for residents from near and abroad to come together and take on the 11th annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K and Family Fun Day in Hoover.

Jefferson State Community College held the annual race and day of fun on Saturday, March 15 at Hoover’s Veterans Park.

The annual 5K is held each year in honor of Judy Merritt, who made history as being the first female president to serve a collegiate institution in the state of Alabama.

All of the proceeds that were raised from the event go towards the Thomas E. and Judy M. Merritt Scholarship, which honors and recognizes students that show outstanding qualities based on various criteria, including moral character and leadership ability.

“The Judy Merritt Memorial 5K and Family Fun Day is one way Jefferson State honors the tremendous legacy of Dr. Judy Merritt,” said Jefferson State Director of Communications David Bobo. “Judy cared deeply about helping students acquire an education and reach their dreams, and the 5K raises funds for scholarships to do just that.”

Even with a night of storms preceding the event, community residents, and even visitors from out of state, came together to have fun and show support for a historical leader and the cause she spent a lot of time supporting.

“For 11 years, the community has embraced this event and it has made a difference for so many students in need,” Bobo said. “We know Judy would love that.” 

Outside of running in the 5K, all of the participants received a swag bag and T-shirts, and the winners received medals to commemorate their accomplishment.

After the race, families got to enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks, including sandwiches from Chick-fil-A, popcorn, ice cream, water and sodas, as well as a DJ that played music all throughout the event.

The following individuals placed in the top three racers for their respective genders:

Male

• Camari Windham, age 21, first place
• Bo Rhodes, age 19, second place
• Charlie Whitlow, age 20, third place

Female

• Reece Bousquet, age 10, first place
• Noelyne Maiyo, age 25, second place
• Raelyn Terry, age 8, third place

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