Backwards run fundraiser held for Northside Optimism Oasis
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A one mile race was held at UNCW’s track and field Saturday, but with a twist.
Participants ran backwards as part of a fundraising event for Optimism Oasis, a 20-acre athletic center planned for the northside of downtown Wilmington.
The race featured special guests Tracey McCullen and Ann Marie Pierce.
Mccullen founded Northside Oasis of Wilmington, and is world renowned for running 100 miles backwards.
Pierce is the world record holder for women’s fastest mile backwards, and this year she took that title a step further by completing in the race with a stroller.
Mccullen says over the last five years of advocating for the project, purpose keeps him going.
“That’s exactly what kept me going when I was out here on this track three years ago running 100 miles backwards in 48 hours though two days and two nights, cold rain, it was all because I had such a passion and a purpose to make a positive and powerful impact for the kids in our community,” he said.
The results of the race are:
Men
- 1st: Trent Pyrtle
- 2nd: Trey Coble
- 3rd: Tim Hamilton
Women
- 1st: Katrina Nunez
- 2nd: Bethann Soporowski
- 3rd: Caroline Soporowski
Another special award was given to Anne Marie Pierce for one mile backwards pulling a stroller with her child.
To learn more about Optimism Oasis, you can visit the organization’s website.
