The 38th annual First Bank Fall 5K and 10K Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, beginning at Central Academy Middle School and winding through the beautiful and historic Town of Fincastle. Registration is available at First Bank Fall 5K & 10K Run (runsignup.com).
The Fall Run has an extensive history. Each year First Bank is asked the same question: “Why do you continue?” Well, after so many years, they have many reasons why but when it comes down to it … they say it’s about loyalty and commitment.
When Richard Pauley, a local cross-country advocate, approached The Bank of Fincastle (now First Bank) in 1985, the bank seized the opportunity. The idea of contributing to the health and physical wellness of Botetourt’s children while involving people from all areas of the county was a project the bank welcomed.
Each year prior to the First Bank Fall Run, the bank sends information and posters to promote the race in the schools of Botetourt County. The Botetourt County Public School system graciously serves as a joint sponsor for the event, providing the use of the school grounds in and around Central Academy Middle School for the race. During the early fall local middle and elementary schools form teams and begin practices. They learn team building and set goals together. First Bank is proud of how this event has become an intricate part of the community.
The Fall Run is always the third Saturday in October. In 1987, the first race began with just over 150 runners. In 2023, more than 600 registered! This year the bank expects to break that record as participants run through the streets of Fincastle toward the finish line. Many different individuals participate: young, old, serious world-class competitors and some who simply walk for the sheer pleasure of it.
First Bank wants everyone to have a good time doing something that promotes a healthy lifestyle while building community and character. People have asked, “What do you do with all the proceeds from the race?” The proceeds go towards scholarships to students at James River and Lord Botetourt High Schools. The scholarship application process is very thorough and requires that students have competed in at least one of First Bank’s Fall Runs. Included with their application they need letters of recommendation and to be involved in a running sport at their high school. The scholarships are in the amount of $1,000 per student. The recipients this year were Lord Botetourt graduate Erna Dietrich and James River graduate Drew Whitson.
The low entry fees help cover the cost of the custom shirts. The bank wants any child who wishes to participate to be able to afford it.
First Bank Regional President Todd Ross said, “You just have to be there. It is amazing to see the faces of each runner as they start and finish their run. It all begins with ‘Runners, take your mark,’ then you hear the smack of running shoes on the pavement and the cheers and clapping of those who faithfully watch from the sidelines. In just under 15 minutes the first runner will cross the finish line, exhausted yet exhilarated. Then, runner after runner crosses the finish line, each one a winner because they had a goal and they accomplished it. Few people realize the magnitude of organizing an event of this type.”
For the first 30 years Richard Pauley dedicated thousands of hours managing and organizing the race. Now a dedicated team of bank employees forms a committee to oversee the race. They, along with many other volunteers from the bank and community serve as road guards, split timers, packet pick-up and registration helpers.
Local student artists are invited to submit an entry into a contest to design the logo for the race shirt. This year the winning artist was Colonial Elementary School student Scharlotte Rock. She will receive a $100 check as her award in addition to having her artwork displayed on hundreds of race T-shirts.
First Bank teams with Mountain Junkies to provide professional chip timing. The chip timing system allows for accurate and almost instantaneous race results. Every bib has a chip attached that begins the runner’s time when they cross the mat at the starting line and ends when they cross the mat at the finish.
On the day of the race the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department closes the streets to keep runners safe.
This is an exciting time. Just ask a volunteer why they do it … “You just have feel the excitement in the air!” The First Bank race shirts have become famous, and have been spotted on people states away. You’ll see locals and children wearing them at the grocery store or around town. The children that participate always remember it and have their shirts, medals and sometimes even trophies to prove it.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
