After days of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, last Sunday was a blessing with sunny skies and mild temperatures. It was a perfect day for the sixth annual St. Rita School 5K Fun Run and Walk for Education at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. The proceeds benefit athletic and educational programs at St. Rita School in Alexandria. More than $18,000 has been raised over the years.

“This is the most glorious weather we’ve ever had,” said a St. Rita parent remembering races where it sleeted and rained.

The first of the three afternoon races was a competitive 5K run for ages 12 to adult. There were about 40 runners.

Eighteen-year-old William Manaker, a St. Rita alumnus, finished first overall with a time of 17: 22.

“It was a pretty good race, but the track was pretty wet,” Manaker said.

Lisa McNichols, the mother of a future St. Rita student, finished first for women with a time of 22:13. McNichols was happy to win, but saw the greater good.

“It’s about raising money for the school,” she said.

More than 100 runners competed in the second and third races combined.

The second race was a short run for 8-year-olds and younger.

Running instructions were limited to, “Please make sure your shoelaces are tied, and pick you arms up and shake them.”

That appeared to work, with just a few children tripping on others and everyone finishing — some with guidance from their parents. The winner of the race was 8-year-old Sophia Attillas.

The third race was a 5K fun run for competitors 8-years-old and above. The race featured a friendly competition between Father Edward Horkan, parochial vicar of St. Rita Church, and his counterpart at Holy Family Church in Dale City, Father Steven McGraw. The losing team donated $200 to the favorite charity of the winning priest.

Father Horkan has been running for years, but for Father McGraw, this was a new experience.

“This was my first foot race,” said Father McGraw. “I like the family ambiance.”

He also ran the race in under 30 minutes — his personal goal.

In preparation for the event, the two priests trained when they could and did a training run together.

A strong St. Rita team, led by 12-year-old race-winner Christopher Saunders, dashed any hope of a victory by Holy Family.

The award ceremony will be held on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at Noodles and Company in Arlington.