A multitude of runners gathered at the Jackson Parish Courthouse early Saturday morning to brave chilly and wet conditions and run in the 2nd annual “Ugly Sweater” 5K Race that opened the Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Festival in Jonesboro. 

Gage Horton of Quitman High School, with a time of 21.20 was the overall winner of the event that had runners trek through the Town of Jonesboro. Winners were also named in by age divisions of the race sponsored by Cindy Pardue, coach of the Quitman High School Cross Country team, which was also a fundraiser for DART of Jackson Parish, which was the beneficiary of non-perishable items donated by participants and supporters. 

Ugly Sweater 5K Winners

12 and Under Division
1st – Axle Mullins (28:22)
2nd – Anzlea Magee (29:29)
3rd – Josh Walker (37:36)

13-18 Year Old Division
1st – Gage Horton (21:20)
2nd – Carson Savana (23:00)
3rd – Josiah Ramsey (23:01)

19-35 Year Old Division
1st – Conner Walker (30:12)
2nd – Ashley Fraley (36:09)
3rd – Brynn Ballard (37:36)

36 and Up Division
1st – Shane Lassiter (24:40)
2nd – Ashley Pyles (27:59)
3rd – Kimberly Shows (35:45) 

We are so thankful for everyone who registered and came out to run this morning in support of the Jackson Parish division of DART and the QHS track and field team,” said Pardue. “Also, a big thanks goes out to the Jonesboro Fire Department and Jackson Parish EMS, and all the workers who helped put this all together. We wish you all the best this holiday season!”