<p>The third annual Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent hosted its third annual Live FIT 5K - Race for Talent, held in union with the PMA Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition. The race brought in some healthy numbers as well as some fast ones. The event, which took place on Friday, October 14, 2011 supports the foundation's mission "to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce industry."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The top three female and male finishers and the top two female and male finishers in each age group were honored at the Centennial Olympic Park. To add a little flavor to the awards, Chiquita recieved an award for best team spirit, Team Dole took the cake for largest team to register and Team Costco seized the award for best team attire. A grand finale “flash mob” dance routine at the Olympic Park added to the positive energy. The top overall male and female finishers touted a collection of incredible times. Peppe Bonfiglio of Leamington, Ontario, Canada came in with a time of 18 minutes, 23 seconds. Bert Mucci of Ontario, Canada sailed in with a time of 18:42 followed by Rodrigo Roach from Chile with a time of 19:46. The top overall female finishers were Eliza Voita of Calabasas, Calif., USA who sped in with a time of 20:54, Becky Burnworth of Tampa, Fla., USA racing in with a strong 21:48 and Jill Lenz of Watsonville, Calif., USA with a time of 22:46.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Margi Prueitt, executive director of the Foundation, stated, "The overwhelming support demonstrated at this year’s 5K Race for Talent will take us a long ways in developing and implementing programs toward our goal of ensuring that the future of our industry is carried forward with individuals with the necessary skill sets. Ms. Prueitt continued “We are especially grateful for the record number of sponsors who stepped up to take part this year.” More than 600 individuals participated in the race. The event was able to raise more than $110,000 from sponsorship for the foundation. Sponsors ranged from Chiquita Brands International Inc., Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., Green Giant Fresh, and Grimmway Farms to California Giant Berry Farms, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Tanimura & Antle Inc. and Frieda's Inc.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
