Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Over 100 runners and walkers came out on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the second annual Botetourt Shuffle 5K and Kids Fun Run, held at Long Bridge Ordinary and Ware House Road. We had a perfect fall day full of sunshine, laughter, and community spirit.

It took a huge community collaboration to put on the two events. In addition to numerous monetary sponsors and in-kind donations from local businesses featured on this year’s race T-shirts, we would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their help: Botetourt principal Dr. Bambi Thompson; Botetourt assistant principal Tish Hudgins; Marc Milner, Elizabeth Ripley, and the entire faculty and staff at Botetourt Elementary; Dennis Burchill; Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police; Gloucester Volunteer Fire Department; VDOT; Gloucester Woman’s Club; Hodges & Bryant, and WXGM radio.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the parents of Botetourt ...