By the time the first starter gun went off last Wednesday (Oct. 12), the rain had stopped at Southside Park in Newton, providing 500 cross country athletes from across the region the perfect weather to compete in the 29th annual John F. Hall Catawba County United Way Cross Country Invitational.
The event was re-named for John Hall this year (founder of the invitational) to honor his ongoing commitment to serve and inspire local youth in competition and in serving their community.
"To me, with 25 teams, the general excitement about the race and the service projects, this was the best participation we've had," Hall said. "We're already thinking about celebrating our 30th invitational next year."