News Summary
The Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K took place in West Point, attracting over 250 participants. Winners included Pearson Chapman and Jenna Roane. The event promotes physical fitness and community spirit while honoring a renowned Marine. Participants embraced the challenge, with virtual options available and a supportive atmosphere reflecting strong community involvement.
West Point Hosts 17th Annual Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K
The Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K took place on June 21 in West Point, attracting over 250 participants from across the country. This annual event is now in its 17th year and continues to celebrate both physical fitness and community spirit while honoring the legacy of a renowned Marine.
The overall winners of the race were Pearson Chapman, a 17-year-old local who claimed the title for the men’s category, and Jenna Roane from Norfolk, who won the women’s category. Participants had the opportunity to complete an extra kilometer, earning them medals and a special commemorative coin titled “One More For Chesty.”
Competitive Spirit in Multiple Categories
The event also included an 11K category, with Richard Saunders, 36, from Henrico, and Megan Arrington, 39, from New Kent, winning in their respective categories. The course began in downtown West Point, taking runners across the twin bridges that span the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers. Participants included a diverse group of walkers, runners, and even stroller-pushers, some traveling from as far as the eastern seaboard for the occasion. In addition to those present on-site, sixteen participants chose to run virtually in their hometowns.
Event Highlights and Community Involvement
This year’s event marked a new record with $5,900 in sponsorships, indicating strong community support. Volunteer participation also saw a significant increase, further enhancing the collaborative atmosphere of the event. The festivities kicked off with a performance of the National Anthem by West Point High School’s Harmonix group, featuring several talented young singers.
Among the participants was Sid Busch, a 79-year-old Navy veteran who completed 3.5 miles in honor of the late Navy veteran Howard Graham despite physical limitations. Another runner, Donna Shultz, who was participating in her seventh Chesty Puller race, dedicated her run to Navy veteran Daniel Polling. The sense of community built by this event has been praised by representatives of the town, noting how it fosters connections and friendships among participants.
Honoring a Military Legend
The race is named after Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller, who remains the most decorated Marine in American history, recognized for his extraordinary valor during World War II and the Korean War. Puller received five Navy Crosses and the Army Distinguished Service Cross during his illustrious career. This annual race not only serves as a test of endurance but also stands as a significant tribute to a local hero.
While competition was fierce and many sought personal bests, the Chesty Puller Memorial Twin Bridge 10K is regarded as more than just a race. It is a festivity that emphasizes camaraderie, support, and community engagement, building lasting relationships among runners and supporters alike, in honor of service and dedication.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Chesty Puller 10K Gets Ready for 16th Year of Racing
- Wikipedia: Chesty Puller
- Daily Press: Annual West Point 10K in Honor of Decorated Marine Draws a Crowd
- Google Search: Chesty Puller 10K
- Daily Press: Annual Chesty Puller Road Race Draws Record-Breaking Numbers
- Google Scholar: Chesty Puller 10K History
- Daily Press: Runners Overcome Heat Wave at Two Historic Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 10K Run
- Daily Press: More Than Just a Road Race – Chesty Puller 10K Brings Community Together
- Google News: Chesty Puller 10K
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
