Almost 300 runners participated in the 2nd Annual Ocracoke Island 5K, 10K and Family Fun Run.

Lauren Holesh was 2nd overall in the 10K, and first among the women. Lulu Perez of Ocracoke was 11th overall.

The 2nd Annual event raised close to $25,000 for island organizations.

Alfonso "Chito" Guerrero of Ocracoke placed first in the 10K, with a time of 37:04. He was followed by Lauren Holesh of Chapel Hill, who clocked in at 37:41. The full results are at ocracokeisland5krun.org.

Runners from the Outer Banks and North Carolina were well represented, but some came from as far afield as Vermont, New York and Tennessee.

Buxton's own Keith Gray finished first in the 5K.

"Some people were saying they'd never been to Ocracoke before, that it is such a cool place, and they're looking to bring others next year," said event organizer Greg Honeycutt.

Watching Dylan Esham sprint the final yards to cross the finish line 37 seconds ahead of his father was a highlight, said Honeycutt. Ten year old Dylan placed 14th overall in the 5K, and first in his age group.

Younger runners grew huge smiles as they crossed the finish line in the one mile Family Fun Run, sponsored by Ocracoke Coffee Co.

Many locals teamed up to encourage one another as they competed in, or simply set out to complete, their first ever road race.

13 year old Karen inherited her mother's speed. She took 2nd overall in the women's 5K.

"It was priceless to see Tammy and Melissa," said Honeycutt, who was pleased with the number of islanders that participated. Local photographer Brian Carter of Carter Photography captured that moment, and many others.

We also like the pictures of the event posted by sponsor Ocracoke Island Realty.

David and Samantha Styron provided live music at the post-race party at Gaffer's Sports Pub. Runners and walkers made merry in the sunshine until close to 2 p.m., thanks in part Miller Lite, the title sponsor of the race.

Many local businesses stepped up to support the event, said Honeycutt. All deserve thanks, as do the over 30 volunteers on hand that ensured the morning ran smoothly. A large number of Ocracoke high school students, both student athletes and Beta Club members, rose early on a Saturday to assist.

Both WOVV 90.1 FM, Ocracoke's non-commercial radio station, and the Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club will receive $11,000. The remaining money raised, which Honeycutt anticipates will be about $2500 after expenses are covered, will be donated to The Community Park the Ocracoke Youth Center is building.

Mark your calendars! Next year's race is scheduled for Saturday, April 26.