What a fabulous Saturday, March 5! About 900 people from as far away as California, Oregon and New York participated in the third annual ShamRock ’N Roll road race in Whispering Pines, many of whom were decked out in their fun, festive St. Patrick’s Day gear running and walking either the 1 mile, 5K or 10K course.

Once again, this year’s event, benefiting Sandhills Farm Life Elementary and its Healthy Lifestyles Initiative, would not have been possible without the generous support of the village of Whispering Pines, including Village Manager Steve Debolt; Chief of Police Domonic Campbell; Fire Chief Scott Bullard; and their staffs.

More than 40 residents, organized by Sally and Paul Nealon, graciously volunteered their time to make this our best year yet. The ShamRock ’N Roll was fortunate to be the first spring event in the Sandhills Race Series, bringing an excitement and an increase in participation far beyond expectations.

Furthermore, a record 24 sponsors led the way to a highly successful race, and all of them deserve to be recognized for their commitment to our community and schools:

Village of Whispering Pines, Sandhills Race Series, Tony’s Good Eggs, Golden Corral, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Saunders Orthodontics.

Southern Pines Rotary, Sandhills Pediatrics, Fore Properties, Dr. Christine Gatti Dentistry, Pediatric Development Therapy of Fayetteville, Roberson’s Unique Sanitation, Inc. servicing Whispering Pines.

Gaddy Waste Management, Health Innovations Pharmacy, Panera Bread, Clark Chevrolet, Miss Nora McNeill, Gold’s Gym, Wendy’s, Starbucks, Pinehurst Resort, River Jack, Spring Water/Nature’s Own, and Laura K. Lang, CPA, PA.

Thank you for a great day. I look forward to seeing even more runners and walkers in March of 2012 ready to ShamRock ’N Roll!

Jill Saunders

Whispering Pines