On Thursday, October 12, Sampson Community College (SCC) held its third annual Sampson Shuffle 5K and Fun Run, in partnership with the Southeastern NC YMCA. Over 100 participants came out in support of student success— with proceeds going directly towards SCC and YMCA scholarships.

The Shuffle underwent various changes this year, with the addition of Fox Lake to the 5K course and the race being held a month earlier than in the past. Race Full Send managed the event, with runners of all ages registering to complete either the 5K (3.1 miles) or Fun Run (1 mile).

All beginning at 5PM, residents came out to enjoy the festivities and food trucks, while also supporting participants as they finished their races and received awards at the end of the night. Throughout the evening, local EMS and police remained on campus to ensure the safety of both the runners and guests.

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SCC had the biggest turnout for the Shuffle so far!

Winners of the 5K included:

Overall Male- Conner Jones
Overall Female- Sharon Owens
9 and under Female- Anna Tew
10-19 Male- Jesse Bethea
10-19 Female- Joanna Terron
20-29 Female- Ashley Rendon
20-29 Male- Daniel Pacheco
30-39 Female- Catherine Joyner
30-39 Male- Jack Gunnells
40-49 Female- Jennifer Roscoe
40-49 Male- Adolfo Gonzalez
50-59 Female- Joy Prestage
50-59 Male- David Hobson
60-69 Female- Judi Nicolson
60-69 Male- Albert Cavagnaro
70-79 Female- Candy Taylor
70-79 Male- Michael Leibowitz
Over 80 Male- Jimmy Matthews

Robin Palmer, SCC Foundation Director and community wellness advocate, observed, “There were coworkers walking together, friends running in their first ever 5K, young kids participating in the Fun Run, moms pushing strollers, and others simply cheering and enjoying a beautiful afternoon at Sampson East Park. It continues to be a community event that everyone can be a part of.”

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Runners raced through Sampson East Park, NC Hwy 24, Clinton Community Church, and Fox Lake.

Sponsors for this year’s Sampson Shuffle included: Enviva, Southern Style BBQ & Chicken, B.J. Williamson Gas, Inc., as well as Race Full Send and the Sampson County YMCA.

The event also wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of SCC’s faculty and staff, and the twenty-five volunteers who dedicated their time to make the day a great success.

Local food trucks: Santos Taqueria, Bella Nonna, and Benson’s BBQ were also on site, in addition to SCC’s Juntos Club and the YMCA.  

Through the Shuffle, both SCC and the YMCA jointly aim to support student scholarships and promote a healthier lifestyle in the region. Both the YMCA’s mission to promote health, fitness, and youth development in NC and the SCC Foundation’s mission to cultivate a broad base of community support for the College and support students through scholarships, align perfectly with the values of the Sampson Shuffle.

Faculty & staff of SCC also participated in the 5K.

Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, shared, “It was exciting to have such a dynamic crowd at the Sampson Shuffle this year. We welcomed many returning participants and volunteers while engaging many first time Shufflers of all ages and abilities. A favorite scene was sponsor and Southern Style BBQ owner, Samantha DiPinto supporting her friend and employee, Shelia Faircloth as she finished her first 5K. It was a joyous sense of community as most participants and volunteers were cheering her at the finish line.”

“We hope the event will continue to grow.”

Sampson CC extends its gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and community members who came out and made the College’s third annual 5K & Fun Run event such a memorable night. SCC is grateful to have partnered with the Southeastern YMCA in support of student scholarships and educational success.

For more information about the SCC Foundation or The Sampson Shuffle, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation or www.sampsoncc.edu/5k.

For more information about the Sampson County YMCA, visit www.ymcasenc.org

About Sampson Community College:  Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.

About Southeastern YMCA: The YMCA of Southeastern NC is a non-profit association committed to a mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.