The week before the Sir-Speedy Run/Walk for the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, organizers were watching the weather. However, rain or shine, all agreed runners will run. The festival and event may be over for 2018, but the enjoyment of books and the inspiration they bring lasts throughout the year. 

Before the annual event takes place, planners are working on next year’s schedule and events to bring more people out to celebrate the authors and artisians who reside in the Teche Area or use the Bayou Teche as a backdrop for their creations. Organizers even consider the sports-minded visitor or residents.

Kicking off the annual full Saturday of events April 7 was the early morning run/walk sponsored by Sir-Speedy. The Bayou Teche was center stage as walkers and runners left Bouligny Plaza crossed the bridge over the Bayou Teche, circled City Park and returned across another bridge to receive bragging rights and medals. Seven age categories for both men and women resulted in the following metal winners.

14 AND UNDER — Male: 1st-Walker Ditch, 2nd-Jackson Foster, 3rd-Phillip Leroux, Extra Mile Award-Jackson Foster. Female: 1st-Katelyn Haik, 2nd-Ella Lemieux. 

AGES 15 TO 19 — no participants

AGES 20 TO 29 — Male: 1st-Drake Savoy, 2nd-Keith St. Germain, 3rd-Thomas Golan. Female: 1st-Dacia Collette.

AGES 30 TO 39 — Male: 1st-Jason Foster, 2nd-Nick Pellerin. Female: 1st Jessica Ditch, 2nd-Kelly Hicks, 3rd-Elise Faucheaux.

AGES 40 TO 49 — Male: 1st-David Ditch, 2nd-Douglas Taylor, 3rd-Erik Haik. Female: 1st-Angela Cestia, 2nd-Jenny Schopp, 3rd-Susie Lemieux.

AGES 50-49 — Male: 1st-Mark Gonsoulin, 2nd-William Brown, 3rd-Raymond Frost. Female-1st Claire Delaune, 2nd-Carolyn Jo Viator, 3rd-Jessica Pellerin.

AGES 60 PLUS — Male: 1st-Alan Hayes, 2nd-Frank Morgan.

OPEN WINNERS OVER ALL — 5K Run Male: Vincent Coppejans, Female: Sarah Kingston Stolp. 1-Mile Run Male: Owen Burke, Female: Becky Collins.