Santa’s Spirit Sprint: Not Just About Winning
Barnesville’s 16th Annual Santa’s Spirit Sprint took place on a cold, wintry December afternoon. All proceeds from this racing event are spent on the Christmas wish lists of less fortunate children in Barnesville and other Belmont County communities. According to Jessica Kondrach, a race committee member, “So many kids need help.” Kondrach added that this year, 20 kids’ Christmas lists would be filled by the racers’ entry fees and donations.
Though Carl Kondrach is the sprint’s director, it takes a village to make the event successful. The event had these title sponsors: Lorri Grisell with State Farm, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, and WVU Medicine Barnesville. There are also platinum sponsors and recurring major donors.
Platinum Sponsors:
- Donley’s Delicious Delights
- Shirts N’ More
- Joe Allen & Associates
- Margaret J. Miller
5+ Years Major Donors:
- American Legion Post #168
- Kemp Insurance
- Braido Memorials
- Lakeland Foods
- B.P.O.E. No 1699
- AVC Communication
- Joe’s Tire
- Starr’s Used Cars
- VFW Post 2792
Local businesses donate doorprizes and generously provide food at reduced cost. Barnesville’s Fire, Police, and Street Departments assist on race day with manning and patrolling the race route. Community residents cooperate with street closings and parking changes. This year, a Girl Scout troop placed collection boxes in several local businesses. Finally, walkers and runners come from the Tri-State area to participate in this event, even when it is frigid cold and spitting snow.
Volunteers, participants, and onlookers had fun and enjoyed seeing each other while showing their Santa spirit through themed clothing, jingle bells, and generosity. Walkers and runners cheered for each other and celebrated their accomplishments at the finish line.
Overall Top Finishers for Mile Run:
- 1st – Amos Kimble (4:28.78)
- 2nd – Travis Moore (4:46.15)
- 3rd – Ron Liscio, Jr. (5:20.67)
- 4th – Kreg Robinson (5:25.67)
- 5th – Amy O’Donnell (5:31.18)
Overall Top Finishers for Mile Walk:
- 1st – Carl Kondrach (8:22.41)
- 2nd – Brent Stark (8:25.32)
- 3rd – James Lapinski (8:45.74)
- 4th – Daniel Stewart (9:51.36)
- 5th – Julie Ledergerber (9:55.63)
Overall Top Finishers for 5K Run:
- 1st – Travis Moore (18:50.11)
- 2nd – Kreg Robinson (19:13.86)
- 3rd – Amy O’Donnell (19:30.32)
- 4th – Ron Liscio, Jr. (19:54.75)
- 5th – Erika Suhy (20:02.79)
Overall Top Finishers for 5K Walk:
- 1st – Carl Kondrach (29:43.28)
- 2nd – Brent Stark (29:48.72)
- 3rd – James Lapinski (31:48.65)
- 4th – Aaron Rousenberg (34:19.47)
- 5th – Julie Ledergerber (34:26.62)
For more race results, visit the Miles of Smiles 2025 Race Results webpage.
The Santa’s Spirit Sprint is the last race of the Barnesville Grand Prix Series. The other races in the series include the Rotary Lake 5K Trail Race, the Rails-to-Trails 5K, and the Pumpkin Festival 5K Run & Walk. The next race will be the Rotary Lake 5K Trail Race on March 29 at 9:15 am. For more information about these races, please visit the website or Facebook page.
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