[Clinton, N.C.] – On the morning of Saturday, November 23, Sampson Community College (SCC) held its 4th annual Sampson Shuffle 5K & Fun Run event, themed the “Turkey Special.” Partnering with the Sampson County YMCA and Full Send Racing, plus four corporate sponsors, over 200 participants ran in support of student success— with proceeds going directly towards SCC and YMCA scholarships.
Back in 2021, the SCC Foundation held its first 5K & Fun Run, dedicating the College’s new walking trail and park through an event titled, ‘Celebrate Sampson.’ Ultimately renaming it to the Sampson Shuffle, the 5K has undergone various changes throughout the years: adding Fox Lake to its route, partnering with the YMCA and Full Send Racing, gaining sponsors, switching starting time/date, and more.
This year’s Shuffle was the largest-to-date, surpassing the previous runs by more than 100 individuals. Beginning at 8AM, 220 registered to complete the 5K (3.1 miles) or the Fun Run (1 mile). Runners of all ages earned various awards upon completion, from medals to trophies to frozen turkeys.
Throughout the event, members of the Clinton Police Department and SCC EMS remained on campus to ensure the safety of both the runners and guests.
Winners of the 5K included:
Overall Male- Conner Jones, 20:42
Overall Female- Kelsey Tart, 24:13
9 and under- Reid Avery
10-19 Female- Emma DuBose
10-19 Male- Brody Gunnell
20-29 Female- Kaitlyn Taylor
20-29 Male- Zeth Pearson
30-39 Female- Ashley Lee
30-39 Male- Tim Wallace
40-49 Female- Sharon Owens
40-49 Male- Matthew Rogers
50-59 Female- La’Chandra Parker
50-59 Male- Keith Coleman
60-69 Female- Susan Dempsey
60-69 Male- Albert Cavagnaro
70-79 Female- Mary Duggan
70-79 Male- Leon Arthur
Over 80 Male- Jimmy Matthews
All finishers of the 5K race received a participant medal. Sticking with its Thanksgiving theme, the winners of each age group category also received a frozen turkey, sponsored by Prestage Farms.
The Foundation also created a new award this year, the SCC Squad Cup, for the team with the largest number of runners. This year’s cup went to the SCC Vikings with 33 members.
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.
SCC extends its gratitude to sponsors: Prestage Farms, Lafayette Farms, Out & Back Racing, and Clinton Drug; and partners Full Send Racing and Sampson County YMCA. Also, to the Clinton Police Department, SCC EMS, and over 50 volunteers who also dedicated their time to making the day a great success.
Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, shared, “The fourth Shuffle was a big hit with more than 200 participants and over 50 volunteers. The original Foundation vision of the track and trails on campus was to encourage community use of the campus, so it is gratifying to see so many people getting their Saturday morning endorphins together. We appreciate the sponsors Lafayette Farms, Prestage Farms, Out & Back Running, and Clinton Drug who made the race possible. The Prestage turkey prizes were a big hit with the age group and overall winners, and the fork medals are truly original! It really was a trot for your turkey! It is great to partner with the YMCA and Full Send Racing.”
For more information about the SCC Foundation or The Sampson Shuffle, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation or www.sampsoncc.edu/5k.
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.
