Photo by Preston Whitcraft
Daryl Weaver gives a final kick to the finish line en route to winning last Saturday's Freshburst Five-Miler in 26:09.

Daryl Weaver held off James Stoltzfus by just 16 seconds as he crossed the finish line in a time of 26:09 to capture top honors at the Freshburst Five-Mile Run last Saturday at Johnson & Johnson in Lititz.

The 39-year-old runner led a field of 263 finishers in the 17th edition of the five-mile race. Coupled with 49 finishers in the 5K walk, the event drew 312 total participants.

Erica Pearson, meanwhile, took first place in the women’s race, building a comfortable lead on the rest of her competition on her way to finishing in a time of 30:14. The 26-year-old averaged just over 6:00 per mile while out-distancing Annie Poland, 26, who placed second in a time of 32:02.

Weaver registered an average mile pace of nearly 5:14 over the relatively flat and fast course, which was good enough to outleg runner-up James Stoltzfus to the finish line on Lincoln Avenue. Stoltzfus, 31, posted a time of 26:25 and Tommy Pearson was close behind in 26:42.

This year’s race proceeds benefited PATHways Center for Grief and Loss — Coping Kids (through Hospice). The PATHways Center for Grief and Loss — Coping Kids supports the needs of children, teens and families impacted by serious illness or death.

Look in the Aug. 2 issue of the Record Express for a complete listing of finishers. More FRESHBURST, page B-4