TFAE race proves to be unquestioned success

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, runners were plentiful and thousands of dollars were raised for local education.

When hosting a weekend race, that’s a recipe that equates to success.

Yep, it sure seems like the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence’s Run for Excellence was again a winner, according to those who participated in the always-anticipated springtime event.

The annual 5K run took place on Saturday afternoon at its usual location – the Downtown Houma Courthouse Square.

With temperatures hardly over 80 degrees, a rarity for any event set for mid-May, the gorgeous weather set the tone for a great day – one which participants and organizers agreed was a large-scale success.

“It was definitely a lot cooler this year than past years,” said race timer and Houma native Cory Bourg, with SplitSecond LLC. “Either way, they always have a great turnout. I’m 36 years old and this is my 20th-consecutive race with this organization. It’s a great event.”

With lovely weather, runners were able to cruise through the course without much hassle.

On the men’s side, 31-year-old New Orleans native Rich Bouckaert won the title, running the 5K in 16-minutes, 3-seconds – just five seconds ahead of 41-year-old Brandon Wingate, who was the runner-up with a 16-minute, 8-second time.

Bouckaert said the race was a fun one because of the cause involved. Proceeds from the day benefitted TFAE – a local non-profit with a purpose of positively affecting academic achievement and fundamentally improving education for students in the Terrebonne Parish School System.

“It was a great day,” Bouckaert said. “To win the race is a great feeling, and it’s something I’m proud of. But to be able to be part of an event that gives to something so worthwhile is what really makes the whole thing even that much more special.”

Houma native Mike McNabb agreed. He said the day was one enjoyed by all. The local finished 10th in the men’s race, finishing the race in 19-minutes, 44-seconds – his personal best at the event.

“Run for Excellence always brings a big crowd,” McNabb said. “The past few years, we’ve been bringing in some great, fast runners from New Orleans. It’s always interesting to see how fast the winner of the race will end up being.”

On the women’s side, 34-year-old Allison Porretto crossed the finish line first, outlasting runner-up Stephanie McNabb by 24 seconds with a finishing time of 21-minutes, 39-seconds.

Local Maddie Constant finished third, while teenager Elizabeth Jordan, 19, finished fourth.

But regardless of where folks finish during the race, everyone is a winner once the final strides have been run.

After the 5K, participants gathered together to enjoy the event’s Food Fest, which lasted from 6:30 p.m. – 10.

There was also a Kid’s Corner, which lasted three hours, and live music was played on the stage by rock band Bag of Donuts – a group which is known for its ability to party like no other.

McNabb said the post-race celebration is what sets the TFAE race apart from all the others in the Houma-Thibodaux area.

He said this year’s party was the best one yet – the icing on the cake for a successful day.

“The community is always very supportive of TFAE,” McNabb said. “The afterparty is always the best around.”

Bourg agreed. He said the post-race traditions are a huge part of the weekend – a reason why people continue to come back to Houma to support education every, single year.

“Race for Excellence has by far the best after party compared to any other event,” Bourg said. “Runners from all over the Tri-parish area show up to run as fast as they can, then enjoy the great after party with countless food venders.

“And, of course, everyone loves to support our local schools whenever possible, so that just makes it even better.” •

TFAE Race