(Original Article: West Orange Times – 12/5/18)

Oakland Park homes decorated for the holiday season provided the backdrop for the West Orange Junior Service League’s annual Jingle Jolly Jog 5K. The entire run — which sold out with 400 runners —was held in the community.

The top five overall male and female runners received awards. In first place for the males, Mahari Van der Riet came in at 17:19 in a 5:34-per-mile pace. The first-place female, Stacey Williams, ran a 6:59-per-mile race and crossed the finish line at 21:42.

In the men’s race, other winners were Sergio Santiago, second place; Henson Lis, third; Birhanu Van der Riet, fourth; and Nathan Shaffer, fifth.

In the women’s race, the next four top finishers were Jen McManus, second; Beth Jeck, third; Debbie Wiley, fourth; and Lori Demro, fifth.

The race is held yearly in memory of former WOJSL member Allison Gray, who died in 2016. Proceeds of the fundraiser — one of two held annually — benefit the league and local nonprofit organizations.