Ready Set Run! 2024 Wolfson Children’s Challenge completes first event in Nocatee

Runners laced up their sneakers and hit the brand-new course in Nocatee on Saturday, January 27, 2024, for the 15th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge. The funds raised from the festivities will benefit Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation, the provider of comprehensive therapy services at Wolfson Children’s Hospital to help children of all ages with sensory, movement, feeding and communication difficulties.

The event, which took place at Nocatee Station Field, featured a host of races including a 55K Ultra, 55K Relay, 30K Run and 1-mile Fun Run. Subaru of Jacksonville served as the presenting sponsor this year.

Six runners tested their endurance in the 55K (34.2-mile) Ultra. The top three overall finishers were Scott Davis of Jacksonville (5:26:36.46), Jamie Saunders of Gainesville (6:00:33.36) and Timothy Robinson of Jacksonville (6:46:02.49).

In the 30K (18.6-mile) Run, Jeff Roberts of St. Simons Island, Georgia, (2:16:36.74) took the top spot for male runners, followed by Michael Markuson of Ponte Vedra (2:56:07.58) and Harvey Swartzel of Jacksonville (3:20:54.72). Suzanne Markuson of Ponte Vedra (3:04:19.21) finished first for female runners, followed by Alyse Golden of Ponte Vedra (3:20:58.37) and Lisa Garcia of Palm Coast (3:27:24.27). In total, 15 runners participated in the 30K race.

A total of 75 teams took part in the 55K Relay Race. PRS Men’s (3:56:27.75) placed first among all-male teams, while Moms on the Run Too (6:36:30.07) placed first for the all-female teams. The top three co-ed teams were: WCH CODE RUNNERS 1 (4:11:20.43), The Young and the Breathless (4:21:08.84) and True Blue Crew (4:29:15.81).

For a complete list of runners and placement, please visit Secondwindtiming.com/results.

In addition to the race events, participants and members of the public enjoyed food, drinks, and family-friendly activities in the Community Village.

Jessica Osiadacz, chief girl experience officer of The Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, served as chair of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge this year.

Each year, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge honors 55 current and former patients, known as the “Wolfson 55,” who represent the wide range of services Wolfson Children’s Hospital offers to children of Northeast Florida, South Georgia and the region.

“Wolfson Children’s Hospital is incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and community members for their support of the Wolfson Children’s Challenge,” said Allegra Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “The continued commitment and generosity of this community truly inspire me. Through these efforts, we are able to ensure that Wolfson Children’s can continue to provide children and families with access to the best specialized care and care teams.”

Held earlier this month, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon at WJXT raised more than $82,000 through community donations for Wolfson Children’s.

To date, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge has raised more than $4 million through the annual event. All proceeds from this year’s event and the telethon benefit Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation.