By Matt de Simone
The First Bank Fall Run returned to the streets of Fincastle last Saturday, featuring a slightly altered route due to ongoing courthouse construction. The change didn’t slow down the county’s fastest runners, who enjoyed ideal weather and a lively community atmosphere.
More than 600 participants gathered at the starting line outside Central Academy Middle School to take part in the 39th annual event.
Braden Jones, 16, of Buchanan, captured the top spot in the men’s 5K with a time of 17:38. Nate Michener of Roanoke led the men’s 10K, finishing in under 37 minutes.
Among the women, Maddie Davidson of Fincastle claimed the fastest 5K time at 21:31, while Hannah Laiti, also of Fincastle, topped the 10K field with a time of 44:10.
“On Saturday, Oct. 18, First Bank was honored to sponsor the 39th annual Fall Run in downtown Fincastle,” said First Bank Regional President Todd Ross. “It could not have been a more beautiful day! We had 669 runners participate this year, including one family passing through from Pennsylvania.”
Ross extended his thanks to all participants, especially local students and their coaches for promoting exercise and outdoor activity. He also expressed appreciation to the Sheriff’s Department, Rescue Squad, Fire Department, and vendors Get Glazed, Lin-Z-Jacks, DJ Flex, and photographer April Singleton.
“Finally,” Ross added, “I want to thank all our employees who volunteered their time on a Saturday morning, especially our Race Committee members who spent countless hours preparing for the event. We’re already planning for the 40th anniversary race in 2026 and hope to make it our biggest event yet.”
2025 First Bank Fall Run race results:
Top five finishing times: 5K – men’s division
- Braden Jones of Buchanan – 17:38.3
- Mark Voight of Fincastle – 17:41.6
- Mason Lira of Roanoke – 19:14.3
- Nolan Linthicum of Fincastle – 19:26.0
- Pritt of Roanoke – 20:03.1
Top five finishing times: 5K – women’s division
- Maddie Davidson of Fincastle – 21:31.2
- Janna Laudermilch of Rome, Pa. – 21:59.7
- Catherine Cline of Fincastle – 23:20.7
- Maren Pauley of Troutville – 23:46.3
- Mina Zangana of Roanoke – 23:50.8
Top five finishing times: 10K – men’s division
- Nate Michener of Roanoke – 37:28.0
- Matt Linkenauger of Fincastle – 44:04.0
- Hunter Nelson of Forest – 47:16.7
- Billy Richmond of Buchanan – 47:22.4
- Scot Harrison of Roanoke – 50:02.6
Photos by Matt de Simone
Top five finishing times: 10K – women’s division
- Hannah Laiti of Fincastle – 44:10.3
- Amy Calkins of Fincastle – 59:46.5
- Katherine Earnest of Troutville – 1:01:52.4
- Bailey Marshall of Buchanan – 1:03:54.5
- Morgan Marshall of Buchanan – 1:03:56.2
Fastest Elementary School Team
- Cloverdale Elementary
- Greenfield Elementary
- Troutville Elementary
Fastest Team Middle School Team
- Woodrow Wilson MS (Roanoke)
- Read Mountain MS
- Central Academy MS
Fastest Open Team (parents)
- Conquerors
- Greenfield Elem. parents
- Colonial Elem. parents
For the full list of race results, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/129069.
