ST. THOMAS - Fundraisers for nonprofit organizations have become fairly popular events at which to run, and for the last two years, the St. Thomas-St. John United Way has benefited from this national wave of philanthropic athleticism.

About 60 people, three dogs and a baby lined up on the waterfront Sunday afternoon for. the United Way Two-Mile Walk/Fun Run. They were dressed in sneakers, spandex and shorts. Some carried radios, and all wore numbers.

After the starter yelled “go,” the pack quickly spread out along the waterfront.

Lorrie Turnbull was bringing up the rear - just one step behind her 1-year-old daughter, Tiffani Buchannan, who spread her arms in a Superman pose as she rolled along in her stroller - as racers pounded the pavement toward Frenchtown.

"She won’t go to sleep,” Turnbull said. “So she has to come with. It’s for a good cause."

The run is a part of the United Way’s 2001-2002 campaign. So far, the campaign has generated $528,000 that the United Way will use to fund programs such as the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Red Cross, Victim Advocate Program, a theater and homeless shelters. The organization still needs to raise $122,000 to reach its goal of $650,000.

As a part of the special events division of fund-raising, the run is a fairly small money-maker. The goal for the entire division, which also includes a flea market, is $15,000. But these events offer participants a good time and add a few dollars to the United Way’s coffers.

Turnbull and her daughter had walked about a half-mile when the race leader came zipping past them, headed back to the start/finish line.

There was little time for pleasantries as the front and rear of the race met, only a quick smile and maybe a cheer, but for first-place finisher, 51-year-old Jean-Pierre Bacle, the camaraderie is a big part of the race.

"I encouraged them; they encouraged me,” Bacle said after finishing the two-mile out-and-back course in 11 minutes, 26 seconds. “It’s fun."

Brad Kappel finished second in the men’s 16-and-over division in 13:03. Frank Jackson finished third in 13:49.

Atacha Larwanci was the top women’s finisher with a 16:22 time. Becky Chwan finished second in 16:30, and Cara Magini placed third with 16:56.

Johnny Kuahan finished on top of the under-15 boys’ division in 18:18.