A road race in Palmerton continues to grow in popularity.

That can be further evidenced by the 482 participants who competed in the 10th annual Blue Mountain Health System 5K Run/Walk held recently in Palmerton.An additional 30 people took part in the one-mile walk, while 40 kids, ages 3-10, competed in the kids run in distances ranging from mile to 1 mile.Michael F. Martinez, M.D.,

F.A.C.S., co-director of the event, said the number of participants who competed in this year's event was at an all-time high."The weather conditions were ideal for both runners and spectators alike, with temperatures cool enough to prevent the runners from overheating during the race, but with enough sun to keep the large crown in Palmerton Borough Park comfortable as they cheered on their loved ones on the down hill finish into the park," Martinez said. "Improvements that were made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the race were the certification of the 5000 meter course by the USA Track and Field Association, the presence of a course photographer, and one of a kind bibs marking the 10 year anniversary of the Blue Mountain Health System 5K Road race and walk."Martinez said the presenting sponsor for the event was the Medical staff of the Blue Mountain Health System. Other major sponsors were Blue Mountain Community Church, Shea's Hardware, Country Harvest, Palmerton Community Fitness Center, Lehighton Family Medicine, Subway, Tom Ring's Brown-Daub Kia, and the Committee to elect Bill Kissner, he said.The race results are as follows:First place female overall, Amanda Kane, 21:18; first place male overall, Luke Johnson, 18:25.Female 12-and-under, first place, Madison Martinez, 28:57; second place, Trisha Sterling; third place, Camaryn Wheeler.Male 12-and-under, first place, Jacob Martinez, 24:35; second place, Tyler Christman; third place, Lucas Christman.Female 13-18, first place, Leah Heffelfinger, 23:40; second place, Jackie Tracy; third place, Madison Malay.Male 13-18, first place, Mike Horvath, 19:57; second place, David Fitzpatrick; third place, Zachery Svetik.Female 19-29, first place, Christine Kupillas, 21:57; second place, Catherine Messick; third place, Jessica Heffelfinger.Male 19-29, first place, Josh Hunter, 19:23; second place, Mike Falcone; third place, Kurt Eckhart.Female 30-39, first place, Heather Tracy; second place, Nikki Perschy; third place, Sally Gilotti.Male 30-39, first place, David Biko; second place, Michael Yacone; third place, Ken Driesbach.Female 40-49, first place, Alyssa Fabian, 23:07; second place, Loretta Dodson; third place, Corinna Heffelfinger.Male 40-49, first place, Steve Dodson, 19:02; second place, Rick Smith; third place, Kreg Rodrigues.Female 50-59, first place, Ardith Kuhns, 24:22; second place, Mary Kay Snyder; third place, Gena Diefenderfer.Male 50-59, first place, Faro Hager, 22:13; second place, Stephen Stehley; third place, Randy Kreimoyer.Female 60-and-up, first place, Kathy Koberlein, 27:05; second place, Susan Williams, third place, Audrey Beidleman.Male 60-and-up, first place, Duane Costenbader, 24:42; second place, Edward O'Connor; third place, Perry Gallagher.The winners of the individual sponsorships awards were Louise Zatoris, Stephanie Ahner and Betty Loy Konek. The fastest team was Team CCFL; the team with the most sponsorships was the Weight Loss Support Group; and the largest team with 215 members was the Palmerton Community Fitness Center.Six individuals were honored for having participated in all 10 of the 5K races. They were Marie Steigerwalt, Ann Behler, David Derkocz, Mike Falcone, Terri Sebelin and Garrett Perschy.For more information about the event, including a complete list of race result and photos, please visit

www.bmhs5k.com.