Jones 5K raises funds for playground

A new playground is on the horizon for Clarendon’s Prospect Park following the success of last Saturday’s second annual Chance Mark Jones Memorial 5K.

The Clarendon Lions Club hosted the event and announced that they had secured the $33,000 needed to purchase and install the new equipment.

Plans call for a bed of woodchips to be installed for safety around the new playground, but a grant application is pending that, if awarded, would pay for a more permanent and safer rubberized surface.

“This is playground will be a fitting memorial for Chance and a permanent way to raise awareness about child abuse,” said Boss Lion Ashlee Estlack. “We deeply appreciate everyone who has supported this project.”

Clarendon’s Ryan Hill and Misty Nobles were the top finishers of Saturday’s race, which drew 133 runners and walkers as well as many as three dozen spectators, supporters and workers.

Hill was the fastest man in the race and crossed the finish line with a time of 20:59, and Nobles was the fastest woman with a time of 25:16.

The Lions’ event was held during Child Abuse Awareness Month in conjunction with Clarendon College and volunteer help from several community members including the Donley County Child Welfare Board.

Lions officials also announced Saturday that club was partnering with the Bridge Child Advocacy Center in Amarillo to open a satellite in Clarendon that will serve the southeast corner of the Panhandle.

The annual 5K is held to raise awareness of child abuse and to honor the life of four-year-old Chance Mark Jones, who died on January 5, 2011, after more than two weeks of abuse.

Complete results are as follows: Top Men’s Time, Ryan Hill – Clarendon 20:59; Top Women’s Time, Misty Nobles – Clarendon 25:16; 19 and under – 1st Gavin Word 23:32, 2nd Jaxon McAnear 27:28, 3rd Jenci Hernandez 28:28; Ages 20-29 – 1st Cameron Word 27:43, 2nd Karissa Huffman 28:38, 3rd Alix Snure 35:33; Ages 30-39 – 1st Mark King 25:14, 2nd Jenny McIntosh 28:02, 3rd Erica McAnear 31:40; Ages 40-49 – 1st Michael Thompson 28:10, 2nd Joe Gifford 33:32, 3rd Robin McGonigal; Ages 50-59 – 1st Tim Sharp 25:35, 2nd Silvia Zaiontz 30:02, 3rd Gwen Sharp 37:58; Ages 60-69 – 1st Nancy Baxter 36:58, 2nd Bob Baxter 36:59, 3rd Martha Smith 38:07; Ages 70+ – 1st JoAnn DeBord 1:02:59.18, and 2nd Larry Capranica 1:02:59.85.