Assistant Editor ~ Em Maxey
The Virginia 10 Miler was held this weekend in the neighborhoods surrounding Rivermont Avenue and some residents who were unaware of the event were left stuck at home.
The Virginia 10 Miler went from Rivermont Avenue through the Langhorne Road intersection and ending at Riverside Park.
Several residents were trapped in the apartment complexes and houses on North and West Princeton Circle, Randolph College and the neighboring roads.
Communities like Princeton Circle West Apartments that have no alternative route except through Rivermont were more impacted than other communities.
Several residents were late for work and a groom nearly missed his wedding due to the = road closures.
Joudli St-Fluer was on her way to the market when she was stopped at the top of the street.
St-Fleur says, “I did know about it, I just didn’t know it would be on the road”. St-Fluer suggested a possible itinerary and alternative route maps for residents for future races.
Another resident of the area, Okeisha (last name not given) says, “There were two young men walking down the street because they had a wedding to go to and they couldn’t even go because of this.”
She continues, “How are people supposed to conduct their business? I am livid right now. This is a big inconvenience to me right now. Huge.”
Residents ready to enjoy their Saturday morning were left unable to exit the roads of the neighborhood.
Few of the residents of the neighborhood were aware of the circumstances and were willing and ready to work around the inconvenience, but were understanding of other residents’ circumstances.
Bunny Hipps, a Lynchburg resident for over 20 years said she had known about it because it happens every year.
Community resident Bobby (last name not given) says, “It’s advertised on the radio and social media, they talked about it in the newspaper, but I suppose if you don’t consume that type of media you wouldn’t have known.”
The Virginia 10 Miler raises money for Amazement Square, Girls on the Run, and Lynchburg Daily Bread.
To donate to these charities, view their website. To participate in next year’s Virginia 10 Miler go to virginiatenmiler.com.
