2010 YEAR IN REVIEW
12/18/2010 CHRISTMAS MILE
This is a strong race -- fast course, nice finish area at the Meyer Center, great snacks, lots of good fellowship. It will continue to grow and thrive under the current race management.
12/19/2010 RUN FOR THE RANCH
We had well over 600 this year! It was hectic but successful. Folks really liked the new venue. There was plenty of room for participants to stay warm. I liked the lighting better, as we could actually see what we were doing at registration.
One of my highlights was visiting with Benji Durden. You may have to be my age to appreciate him, but if you google him, you will see that he was an Olympian and a fantastic runner. He has joined us the last two years. What a treat!
12/4/2010 CATHOLIC CAMPUS 5K
This race has gone on for 22 yrs. Matt Wegenka, who was instrumental in its start, won today, followed by several fast "kids." Construction on the MSU campus necessitated a slight course change, which may have made it slightly faster. The popularity of the event is only affected by the weather and the ability of the Greeks to get out in the cold so early on a Saturday morning.
12/4/2010 COUCH POTATO 5K/10K
I was not aware of the the expansive facility that houses Integrity Home Health Care in north Springfield. The building was impressive and so was the race. Each age group was named after a potato (mashed, tater tots, etc.) The awards followed suit. It was very clever.
12/4/2010 MILES FOR SMILES - BRANSON
This one was a fundraiser for Cedar Ridge Elementary. Unique from its cross country counterpart, it followed a two-loop course around the C.R. Campus. The attendance was good, and everything went well.
12/3/2010 -- 2ND REINDEER RUN - REPUBLIC
The kinks were worked out this year. All-day packet pick-up helped dwindle the lines on race evening and all volunteers seemed to know the course. The park was beautifully and appropriately decorated and lit up for the Holidays. The bonfire was very popular as was the hot drinks, Christmas music, and the carolers.
I love this time of year.
11/27/2010 CROSSFIT 5K GONE BAD
For those who don't know, scaled means you didn't perform all of the elements at the stations up to standard. Mention was made of PVC pipe as opposed to bars. I am not certain of the other substitutions. Nonetheless all participants had to run a 5K and do something at four different stations along the way.
It was fun, challenging, and creative.
We enjoyed every minute of it. Whether you were prescribed or scaled, you are fit.
Check out the Crossfit website to learn more.
11/25/2010 STREET MEET #2
We had a blast today. We got most of the race in before the cold blast.
Our cobbler delivery many ran out of gas, so we sent Alex to rescue him, who almost ran out of gas, but made it back only to lock his keys in his car.
Thanks everyone for supporting our effort. It was so much fun. Results are up.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
11/20/2010 WILLARD FRISCO RUN, SHELBY'S RUN AT CLEVER, & Y RUN FOR STRONG KIDS
The air was crisp and cool wherever you were today. The fall colors are hanging on. There were some fast runners out at Willard this morning. With so many races to choose from this year, there was a light turn-out.
Clever always has a loyal and strong crowd. The passion for Shelby has driven the race to grow each year. It is well supported by Clever schools and the administration. We were happy to be involved. Here is the website to learn more: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shelbygrover.
The Hollister YMCA puts on a good show to raise money for area kids. The half marathon is one of the most challenging around here, but that is what brings some people.
See results for all three races.
11/12/2010 RUN TO THE LIGHTS
This race is terrific, and we had great fun being involved. There were 2,061 people entered. Some of these folks do not wish to run but merely want to contribute to The Caring People or visit Silver Dollar City. Either way, everyone wins.
We struggled with those who only went one mile but entered the 5K. I can't say that I blame them as it was cold and rainy, but it does make our job challenging. Please let us know if you need to be removed or had other problems.
Some people may choose to hold off on the funnel cake until after riding Wildfire next year. Some may choose to hold off on hotdogs before running a 5K. We all have our definition of adventure.
The City was majestic.
11/13/2010 - DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE RUNNING FOR SHOES
This was our first taste of winter. Only four more months until it gets warm!
It was almost Christmasy today.
The ladies who put this race together did a wonderful job.
Congratulations to all who came and ran the mile, 5K, or 10k.
11/6/2010 - CBC 5K, UP IN ARMS 5K, SAND SPRINGS ADVENTURE RACE
We had to split up again today. Miriam and I found ourselves in a less familiar part of town. I really liked the course in and around the CBC campus. There are many neighborhoods that are new to me, and the one around this College is very nice. There were a few hills, but that did not stop James Collins from running a 19:20. The first female was Kara Speights in 21:29 -- both excellent times.
Linda Barnett travelled with husband Brent, who scouts races that he can win, to El Dorado Springs. The crew loves going to this town for its hospitality. It was a light turnout for the inaugural run.
Craig and Jared rode back into town about 3 p.m. from the Sand Springs Adventure Race. There were over 20 teams competing. The woods were lit up like fire with fall color. The giant fire pit at the base transition area is a favorite. The river was up enough this year that canoes became the mode of river transport, rather then the rafts that were essential in 2009. They had a great day but not as great as Otis the blonde lab. He was fed pork and pastries, with lots of TLC throughout the day. What a life!
10/30/2010 - Halloween Hustle, Persimmon Run, Community in Motion
I thought the costumes were awfully cute at the Halloween Hustle. Hats off to those who go to the trouble. The Cochran's even had more than one getup.
Where's Waldo made an appearance.
so did the cat lady.
Check out the results.
Bolivar held its first Community in Motion 5K, and they were pleased with the outcome. The SBU Student Union served as the staging area.
The Persimmon Run ran over a beautiful course and had a nice, small-town feel to the whole event. It was very homey.
10/23/2010 - Jumpin Jack Flash, Willard Orchard Hills, OC Run, Bass Pro Kids
Lots of races, lots of results. We saw some vibrant colors today while we were covering events.
All of the races had their own special flavor. I had never been to the new Willard Orchard Hills Elementary School. A large part of the community turned out for this event.
The MSU Homecoming race was a familiar course, starting and ending near the bear at the Student Union. It is always a favorite.
The OC is such a lovely facility out in Ozark. The trails behind the building are very scenic and add to the experience.
We timed only the 7th and 8th graders out at the Springfield Underground as part of the Bass Pro Fitness Festival. Cute is not a big enough word to describe some of the kids that we saw.
Time to rest.
10/16/2010 - Wildcat Duathlon, Sassafras 5K, Flattest 5K
From Rogersville to Neosho, races abounded this weekend. The weather was great for all of them and the Ozark hill were simply beautiful driving to and from.
This was our second year to visit Neosho for the Four States Flattest 5K. It is organized, well attended and fast. Everything went well.
The Wildcat Duathlon and Sassafras 5K, held at Rogersville H.S., benefits their Project Graduation. It is a great event due to the many parents who get it all together. Rod Pennington has a huge influence on the amount and quanity of donations, and that is no easy feat.
10/17/2010 - Run with the Lady Bears 5K, Rogersville Pumpkin 5K Run
The Lady Bears 5K was the inaugural run for them. All team members and coaches were on site and accounted for by 6 a.m. They were so kind and helpful, and I know this race will continue to grow. Here are a couple of photos
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Finally, the Rogersville Pumpkin Run 5k & 10k was held Sunday at the Pharmacy in Rogersville and spearheaded by Jim Coker. More awards will be dropped off here at RRS, so check with us next week if you were unable to pick up yours.
10/9/2010 - St. John's Sunshine Run
It was a great feeling to sit in the dugout of the Springfield Cardinals stadium and watch 1,500 5K & 10K runners finish their race today.
From start to finish, it was a great event. We hope that you had fun, and we are thankful that St. John's has continued this event throughout the past 31 years.
Jonathan Rono won the 5K in 16:27, followed by Kevin Zimmerman and Mike Feldt. The women's overall winner was Joanna Geiss in 20:44.
In the 10K, Dana Nippes ran away from all of the other girls with a time of 40:54, while Brian Todd won overall male in 37:18.
Complete results are published on this website. Click the button above.
10/3/2010 - Austin Edwards Memorial 5K
Emotion hung heavy in the air as 124 participants ran or walked to support the Edwards and Bruescher families. As we all learn at sometime in our lives, our pain can only be lessened when it is shared by friends and loved ones.
Austin Edwards was obviously loved by many, and the running community stands ready to help and support when the family needs us.
10/2/2010 - Panther Run, PCC Run
This was the inaugural Panther Run -- what better way to celebrate the opening of the new O'Reilly Center on the Drury Campus.
There were prizes galore, over 500 runners, a flat course, frist-class age group awards, great food, and entertainment.
Let us know your thoughts. I hope you all had a great time.
All proceeds benefit Care to Learn, a non-profit organization started by Doug Pitt, to provide hunger, health, and hygiene needs in the local schools.
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The Pregnancy Care Center 5K, now in its third year.
The walk draws nearly 2,000 and is the biggest in the area. Adding the 5K gained over 200 more participants out on the course.
I wonder if anyone did both races today?
9/28/2010 - Branson Cross Country
There is nothing more enjoyable to me than cross country.
The Cedar Ridge course down at Branson is one of the hardest around. It definitely ranks in difficulty up there with the Lake Springfield course.
We timed 114 varsity boys and girls. There were an additional 200 jr. varsity runners as well as 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.
This is how we build great high school teams.
9/25/2010 - Tanger, MSU, Audrey Pearce, and Nut Run
Almost 200 people showed up for the 2nd annual Tanger Family Fitness 5K. It was a good idea moving to the shopping center. Though, the course was a little confusing, it avoided the hills and no one got lost.
The packets contained coupons, and many took advantage of the beautiful morning to shop. It was a smoothly-run event, and we enjoyed being there. Jared and I were back in Springtown by 10:30 a.m.
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It was bound to happen. Since Joe Lomosi has been working with us at ORS, he hasn't even had a hiccup. Today just wasn't his day. The turnaround cone was placed a little too close for the midpoint of the race, so the egos were running rampant. Runners ended up going 2.51 miles.
Then, there were some unexpected changes in the structure of the prizes. The crowd was great and most were there to have fun. Isn't that the way it should always be?
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The compassion for the Pearce family was evident throughout the past few weeks as Debbie Hightower and the staff at Wanda Gray put this race together.
Almost 300 people turned out to support this little miracle named Audrey. Audrey is a tiny baby, who had a heart transplant. Money raised will help pay for this very costly and necessary surgery.
9/18/2010 - In Like a Lion, Boathouse Races, Tracks for Backpacks
All of these events deserve equal attention. The Alph Delta Pi sisters draw a completely different population of student runners to the field. It is nice to see so many new faces with a few regulars. Some of the 19-20 yr. olds are very quick.
We had to reroute some of our course because of construction, but Fassnight Park is a place that is not overused and fun to visit.
Emma Doner was the girl in charge this year. It was a good experience.
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The Boathouse Race 5K Trail Run was very unique. I heard several people say that they loved the scenery, course, wildlife and atmosphere. It was very challenging but they knew that going in.
The water element drew many veterans. We got some great ideas to better promote this event to the regular boat racers in the future.
The Chick Filet cow is always a very gracious guest and topped off the morning, along with the ice cream drumsticks, Chic Filet breakfast biscuits, trail mix, and Dunkin Donuts.
To see more pictures, follow this link:
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Ozark is very familiar to road races. This course, in and around Fremont Hills, was hilly but beautiful. Angie Keeter, who has much experience in racing, Zumba instructing, and overall conditioning, can now add race director to her resume.
9/11/2010 - Stop Diabetes 5K & We're Book'n It 5K
The field grew by 33% this year. The Park Crest neighborhood provides a scenic, peaceful, flat, and fast course for this race. Panera is a wonderful place to gather before and after any run.
Shannon Cochran, along with family and friends, did a fantastic job organizing and promoting the event. Daughter Olivia was more than gracious in her role as ambassador. Larry Chase was an excellent emcee, and the Diabetes Foundation was ever present with volunteers and support.
Newcomer Marc Moor was first to the finish in 17:46. Miriam Flouer outran all of the other females in 21:10.
This event will continue to grow.
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Having a road race has become the epitome of fund raising for schools and nonprofit entitities. We believe all races are important and are the grass roots of running.
Each school adds its local flavor. This event, headed up by principal Chris Bauman, buys books for Ozark Upper Elementary. People dress up as book characters and mingle around the square.
It is a lot of fun and very worthwhile.
Joe Lomosi lamented that this year, the square sat in the middle of mosquito land.
9/4/2010 - K Life and Saddlebrook Runs
Many have said that there is not a prettier course than the Saddlebrook Run course today. The residents stayed home to prevent interference with the runners. One could drive back in the complex and get lost with the deer and never come out again. This is sure to be a popular location for future events.
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The K-Life folks are just so nice. We love doing this race. The Landing serves so well as a venue, and we had entirely too much fun afterward at Joe's Crab Shack. Runners are terrific people. The numbers grew, as almost 200 people ran the 5K or the mile.
I love fall, and the weather has just been wonderful.
8/28/2010 - Biolife Run for a Child & Summit 5K Run
The Biolife Race benefitted the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. I am pleased when I see the boys out running or helping with our events. It feels good all the way around.
The Frisco Trail served as a safe and scenic venue.
I didn't get to see the mascot race, but I heard that it was hilarious. Dr. Plasma waddled to the finish first, in front of the very large cow. They insisted on running uphill, as the costumes were a little top heavy and out of balance. I'll see if I can come up with some photos.
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Moving the Summit Run to the Chesterfield Village was a positive step in making this race grow. It is a beautiful, unique neighborhood. The course is flat and fast, and running two loops is spectator friendly.
This is a nice setting for the kids at the Summit Preparatory School.
We enjoyed being there. I realized again that I would not be aware of so many places if I did not have the job that I have.
8/27/2010 - NAMI 5K Run
Now and then, along comes a novel idea. Running at night, on the trail, with glow sticks caught on well with over 500 people. It was an atmosphere of hope for those touched by suicide and fun for runners out for the evening. Though there were some top runners present, it was definitely a laid-back atmosphere.
We were thrilled to be a part of it.
8/21/2010 - Branson Mountain Man Tri - Haley's Hope 5K/10K
Today marked the end of our triathlon season. We are tired. There are some great road races and events ahead, which require a different type of energy.
It was an impressive first-time effort from the folks at the Branson RecPlex. We told you it was hilly, so we held nothing back. The venue is beautiful. Give us your feedback.
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Haley's Hope was organized by the family of Rod Pennington. Formerly the Hot 'n Hilly race, it remained true to the description. Rod changed the direction to clockwise to ensure safety among the runners heading to the finish.
Thanks for supporting these efforts.
8/15/2010 - 6th Annual Finley River 5K
This race benefits the Ozark Cross Country program. The whole team was out this morning to run a little bit and volunteer.
It was a flawless race and everyone was in and out in time to go to breakfast.
The rain brought us a little reprieve from the heat. We'll take what we can get -- even if it means having to dry out the equipment.
8/8/2010 - Y Not Run & 7th Annual Kidathlon
The Y Not Run was flawless -- great scenery, prizes, food, and cameraderie. We thank the Hall of Fame staff for continuing to host it and for letting us be involved.
If you can run those hills, next week will be easy.
The kidathlon is always challenging because of all of the heats, special situations, swaps, last minute changes, etc. This was probably our smoothest year.
If you were there, we hope your child had fun and got a sample of good sportsmanship from everyone around.
The Parkboard asked that we wait until Monday to publish results, so we will honor that. We have a hard copy here at the Store. Please call us direct of you have any questions 882-5590.
8/1/2010 - Superheroes for Hope 5K
It was a great little race in Willard yesterday. The Frisco is such an asset for this area.
Take a look at some of the fast times!
7/31/2010 - 2010 Concreteman Triathlon
It seemed that most everyone liked the extended distance of the long course to olympic this year. We also heard good comments about the lap swim and throughout other areas of the event. We'll be sure to add another aid station on the run next year.
It was exciting for us to see such great athletes in motion.
Updated results were posted on 8/3/2010.
Thanks for coming!
7/24/2010 - NPOA Doughnut Run & Tribute Triathlon
We get to experience so many different places with our races. We had never been to Windsor, MO until this weekend. We found it to be a delightful little farm town, blessed with a very nice lake named Farrington.
It is clear that these folks loved late triathlete Fred Overton, as they paid him the kindest tribute with this weekend's triathlon. It was well supported with volunteers, spectators, and participants. To further explain the commitment of the local triathlon community to Fred, you must visit the website: http://site.wcmmc.com/.
You may have noticed that Nixa has many races. You also may have noticed that they are well attended. I wonder if this has anything to do with the Nixa Running Club and training groups?
What could be more appropriate than a Doughnut Run put on by the Nixa Police Officers' Association? There were some fast times, motivated by doughnuts at the finish line, of course.
Keep up the good work, Nixa running community.
I have published results for both races on my website.
7/17/2010 - Run for a Reason, El Dorado Springs, MO
Rather than crash the women's run, many of the males traveled to El Dorado Springs to Run for a Reason. There was a good turnout for the race, and the organizers did a great job.
Thanks Joe and Jared for covering this for ORS.
Thanks Kevin for having us again.
7/17/2010 - Girls Just Wanna Run
I've never seen men so willing to volunteer as they are each year for the Women's Run. This year's race, with 868 participants, set a new record for the event. The humidity kept a course record at bay, but the lead pack separated themselves early from the rest of the field. The fastest time was turned in by Courtney Waltbilling, formerly a Rogersville runner, now at Missouri Southern.
The expo was eclectic and enjoyable. I could tell from the smiles on the race crew at packet pick-up that they admired the scenery.
In the chute, it was fun to watch the small children up thru the seniors as they crossed the finish line -- each on their own mission.
I liked being able to run this one. It is one of my favorites.
7/11/2010 - Lake Freebird Triathlon
Cynthia MacPherson, along with friends and family, put on quite the shindig yesterday in Mountain Grove. Lake Freebird is a private lake and makes for an intimate setting to host this annual triathlon.
Because of the size and distance of the events, it draws many first timers. I think that I like beginner triathletes most, because they are so happy just to reach the finish line. There is no attitude, and they truly celebrate fitness.
It was a good effort on a hot day. Entrants enjoyed ice cream and drinks afterward while picking up handmade awards at the post-race ceremony.
7/10/2010 - Dragon's Breath 5K/1 Mile
We had a blast this morning, and the dragon's breath was smelling pretty sweet. Over 120 runners showed up for this first effort by Wellness Concepts.
The dragon theme was prevalent throughout the shirt design, trophies, and medals. Several ran the mile and received hand-made bead necklaces.
It was a challenge to all race directors to be so creative.
Thanks Jill, Steve, Tania, Eric, and Laney. Thanks also to the staff of Wellness Concepts.
7/4/2010 - Firecracker 5000
Chris Essick put this race together eight years ago. It was staged, at one point, from the Dewey Short Trails, then the Cedar Ridge XC Course at the School. Two years ago it found its home at the Branson Landing. This year, it grew by 40%.
The waterfront from Lake Taneycomo adds a cool breeze as you head into the finish of the 5K or the second lap of the 10K. The 4th of July holiday added a festive and majestic atmosphere to the pre and post-race atmosphere.
It was a very fun and worthwhile experience, and proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. Results are posted.
6/26/2010 - 7TH ANNUAL ALDERSGATE 5K/10K
It was nice having the backpacks instead of t-shirts, which made packet pick-up go more smoothly. The new course seems to be an improvement for participants. The pancakes and donuts are a treat afterward. (You know you had some.)
Marissa Frazier set a blistering pace on a blistering day for the 10K. Richard Leiboult won overall for the men, followed closely by Brian Todd. We had some great 5K times. It was a no-excuse kind of race. Results are up on this website.
6/19/2010 - FRISCO RUNAWAY TRIATHLON
This was the second year for this tri. Kevin MacDonald and the Willard Parks Dept. were instrumental in pulling it off. The race grew this year. The bike course is still challenging but scenic. It is great having the Frisco trail on which to do the run.
I like this race partly because it is where I grew up and it is all so familiar.
Craig, Joe, and Jared worked hard as well, and it was a well-run event.
6/19/2010 - 2ND DASH TO THE SPLASH 5K
We dashed and we splashed. We thought the rain would overtake us before the start of this year's 5K, but it subsided, and it was nice and sticky during the race. Jonathan Rono won easily, though Brian Todd also ran a great time. (See results.)
Kathi Schmidt, 17 yrs. old, who resides in Galena was the women's winner. She is headed back to her home country of Germany this week.
All proceeds go to The Caring People, a Christian single mother's organization, started by Jodee Herschend.
6/12/2010 - CHRIS SIFFORD RUN, RUN FOR "RED"INESS, and the SPS RUN FOR COMMUNITY
Three great races today. I always appreciate the loyalty of Chris Sifford's friends, who keep this event going. The ballpark theme, with the baseball sleeves, is very unique -- just one of the benefits of participating. Each entrant also gets tickets to see the Springfield Cardinals. Clayton Moore and the Potthoff family are key in the details of the day. What a great way to remember a good friend!
The Red Cross Run for Rediness was an inaugural event, held at Cox North. A safety theme was pervasive throughout, with the first-aid kits and other reminders of the purpose of the American Red Cross. Joanne Moore directed the event and did a wonderful job.
Josie McPhail put together quite a package with the race and community fair over a Parkview. Many runners stayed after the race for pancakes, music, exhibits, and sampling. The whole parking lot was hopping. Many racers stated that they liked starting and finishing on the track at JFK. Many participants were educators who simply came to support the cause and had little interest in running. It was a lot of fun.
Thanks for supporting running in Springfield.
Once again, we could not pull this off without such a great staff.
6/5/2010 - COX MED MILE AND 5K
This was the 19th year for the Medical Mile, and it has maintained its family feel while being competitive.
The 5K was added last year, and it grew tremendously. Around 950 folks participated in one or the other.
This is a complicated but fun event as enthusiastic parents, wearing their 5K race chips, escort their children over the finish line of the mile. The preliminary results are posted, and if you have questions or changes, please e-mail us at ridge1@mchsi.com.
The parking lot was a fun fest with snow cones, inflatables, drinks, and Sheryl's great music.
Thanks to Chris Flouer and the staff at the Meyer Center for a great event.
5/31/2010 NIXA RELAY FOR LIFE; ROLLA BSA 5K
Our tour of Missouri continued on as we headed to Rolla for the Boy Scout 5k then on the Columbia to visit family. A local dentist, Judd Boehm, manages this event.
We were also in Nixa at the second annual Memorial Day Relay for Life, put on by Allyn Wollard. It seems that running a road race is a very fitting tribute to the Holiday.
I hope that you all had a happy and safe Memorial Day.
5/29/2010 HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
We had a great showing at the MOTHER ROAD 5K & MILE. The Hammons Tower makes for a very nice venue for registration, awards, and bathrooms. Richard Leiboult took over the director's position this year from Richard Johnson. From our perspective, everything went well. Results are published.
The Kid's for Kamp 5K celebrated it's eighth year at Phelps Grove Park. There was a light showing, but it was a beautiful, fun day. The folks at Washington Avenue Baptish Church are so kind and put forth a good effort.
5/22/2010 SQUIRREL RUN, RUN FOR THE BRIDGES, SEAS INNAUGURAL RUN
All results have been posted.
It finally felt like spring today. It was beautiful.
We had 348 people in Marionville. No white squirrels were sighted.
There were at least 100 at Jordan Valley Park and at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton race as well.
It's a great day to be a runner and it's a great day to live in Springfield, MO.
5/14/2010 - CASA RUN FOR A CHILD, JOPLIN ARMED FORCES DAY, HILLCREST RELIEF FOR LIFE 5K
It was another fun, wet day.
The CASA Run for a Child grew in number of participants. We are so appreciative of the staff and board members who stood on the streets, handed out water, cooked pancakes, secured awards, and did a wonderful job of organizing the event.
Matt Van Arkel, home from Indiana for the summer, led the entire duration of the 8K. Kevin Zimmerman did the same for the 5K. They are both former Drury athletes, coached by Jon Van Arkel.
Let us know your feedback.
The Joplin Armed Forces Day 5K, put on by Steve Benfield, also had record attendance. There are many other things going on at this event, which make it unique -- a corporate challenge and the overall military presence to name a couple. We enjoyed being there.
The Relay for Life 5K, in conjunction with the overall Relay for Life has a very passionate following and offers a unique course across town at Hillcrest High School. Joni Stant is the race director and gives so much to make this happen. There were a few folks, such as Brent Barnett and Bruce Stansberry, who ran both races in Springfield.
5/7/2010 - LAW DAY 5K
It was a beautiful afternoon to be in the park. All money from this event goes to the SMBA Scholarship program. I know that folks who work on Saturdays enjoy having the option to race at atypical times.
5/8/2010 - KITCHEN 5K, SUMMIT TRAIL RACE
It is such a pleasure to work with Pat Dierking and the crew at City Utilities. The Kitchen Run is among the favorites in Springfield. We had over 700 folks participating in the 5k or one mile. It seems that Mother's Day has become a draw to families who want to brand a new tradition. There were twice as many women than men in the race this year. That is very unusual. It was very enjoyable, and we hope the you enjoyed it as well.
Preliminary results are posted. Please contact us with any questions: 417-882-5590, ridge1@mchsi.com.
The new Summit Trail Run overcame some obstacles, and those who came out enjoyed the beautiful Ritter Springs Park woodsy setting. Many of the trails were off limits due to blasting in the area, but the overall effect was unique. The intent is to have more usage of the trails next time and extend the distance of the longer course.
4/30/2010 -- MAROON RUN 5K
This was a great effort by MSU students. We had a reasonable turnout for a Friday night. They were very organized. No one got lost. We got started on time. The giveaways were unique -- such as seat cushions and other prizes.
It is definitely a good foundation upon which to build.
5/1/2010 -- MAY DAY 5K, BRADLEYVILLE RACES, RUN FOR RECESS, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 5K
May brought showers of races. We remained dry throughout all of them. The scenery was beautiful at Bradleyville. The clientelle at Republic was very youthful and showed up in throngs. The Pershing event had more kids than adults and lots of good fun. The Habitat Race enjoyed a new course and location with solid attendance.
Thanks for supporting these local efforts and for bearing with us whenever we are weary.
4/24/2010 SCS 5K, PANERA 5K/8K, RUNNING RIVER TRAIL 5K
Wherever you were on Saturday morning, you were probably wet. The rain and wind created a few problems in keeping signage and equipment in place.
We hope that your experience was a good one. If it wasn't, there will be more races next weekend.
We were at the Panera Run, then the Springfield Catholic Run. Joe travelled to Hermitage for the Runnig River Trail 5K. I would love to go there sometime. I hear that the trail is beautiful.
I got the opportunity to run the Oklahoma City half yesterday and spend some time with friends. The memorial is extremely touching and adds a special emphasis to the entire race. The running pales in comparison. It was a very fun and memorable weekend.
4/17/2010 LEAN GREEN RUNNING MACHINE
Page Zendehrouh and the PTA at Wilder Elementary put on a mean green race. There were 408 entrants in both the 5K and mile. There were plenty of volunteers, lots of food, fun, and entertainment with the band - Super Charge.
We really enjoyed it and appreciate all of the effort put into the cause.
4/17/10 THINK PINK, UNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY, TIRED OF CANCER 5K's
As the race names indicate, everyone has a cause and there is no better way to raise awareness and money for that cause than a road race.
Marshfield had a walk, run, pancake breakfast and activities to last throughout the day. Republic had their first "Think Pink" 5K to contribute toward breast cancer research. Aurora also tried to stomp out cancer with their 5K today.
It is nice to be able to run and feel good in many ways when you finish.
4/10/2010 EISENHOWER RACES, RUN FOR THE TIGER, CRAPPIE DAY, CONQUER CANCER
We travelled to Abilene, KS for the Eisenhower Races this weekend. This was a record year for attendance. The wind cooperated in that it was at your back the entire second half of the race -- whether you chose the marathon, half, 10k, or 5k. The Viola Family Foundation works very hard, as does the city of Abilene, to make all runners feel welcome and to keep them fed.
Everything went smoothly and we really enjoyed the experience.
I could not do four races simultaneously without such great people -- obviously. I appreciate so much Joe Lomosi, Linda Barnett, Miriam Flouer, and Melissa Sharples who ran their own show this weekend. It was all good.
It was also great having Jared Meyer and Alex Goss along for the trip across Kansas. Great food, a fun trip and great memories.
4/3/2010
We were involved in three great events this morning.
Craig, along with the help of Alex and Jim Smotherman took care of Laci's Run, the Inaugural 5K, which hosted 266 runners. Paul Adler did a fine job of emceeing, and it was a wonderful event.
I, along with Linda Barnett, took care of the Mercy Me 5k & 10k in Lebanon. This is sponsored by St. John's Medical Center Lebanon, and this year the 10K was new. The wind was gentler this year, as we positioned ourselves on top of the hill at the finish line.
Joe Lomosi and Linda Brewer travelled to Marshfield to time their Project Graduation 5K.
We certainly live in a health-conscious community, all of these results are published.
2010 Frisco Run for Scouting - 3/27/2010
The weather was kinder this year -- that is if you don't mind 20 mph headwinds on the second half of the race. The new pavement made the going a bit easier. The turnout increased by 34%. The B.S.A. Organization is all about building character and everyone who participated was able to build on theirs today.
2010 Lance Armstrong Foundation 5K - 3/20/2010
It was a tale of two Matt's today, as three runners broke away and led for the entire race. Matt Van Arkel was the overall winner in 16:57 and Matt Wegenka followed closely with a 17:01 to win the masters. Daniel Childers hung on for third with a fantastic time of 17:05.
Rosie Laughlin cruised in to win the women's race with a 22:10 with Cecily Cornelius-White on her shoulder in 22:26. Pam Sailors took home the masters with a 22:38.
Chris Yates and his mom, Ann, worked very hard to bring this event to you. There were many great prizes and most of all it was a great occasion to remember and honor those who have struggled with and overcome cancer. Chris does this to remember his father Ricky, who passed away two years ago. Thanks so much for your contribution.
2010 Pitter Pat Races
As we have come to expect, the Jr. League outdid themselves and moved the Pitter Pat Races up another level. It was great being indoors for registration and awards. The vendors were a nice touch, and overall it was high in quality.
We hope that you had a wonderful time.
The results are published.
2010 Ozark Upper Elementary Tiger Streak Races
A record number of participants showed up this year to participate in the 5K and/or the mile. It is a fast course and the weather cooperated -- cool and crisp at race time. The funds go to the PTA. Results are posted.
2010 Winter Games 5K - February 27
It was a cool, crisp, beautiful day. Runners enjoyed the course, which travels through the historic Meadowmere Place neighborhood. It is always nostalgic to be back on the Smillie's IGA parking lot.
There were nice medals and the t-shirts were very well done. The Winter Games, spearheaded by Jeff Collins, draws thousands of kids and adults to Springfield throughout January and February to play racquetball, basketball, wrestle, do gymnastics, and various other things. It has become extremely successful, and the run is just one small piece of the Games as a whole.
2010 Run 4 Relief - February 20
It is unfortunate that people did not know about this event. All members of this organization are pre-med students and wish to assist with the medical needs for the children in Haiti. It was a light turnout but a good effort.
2010 Valentine's 5K for Girls on the Run, Saturday, February 13
It was all smiles today as giant snowflakes greeted us for the start. We were up by ten percent over last year. The Girls on the Run, led by Trish Hopkins and sponsored by the YMCA, were very organized and enthusiastic.
Find out how you can get involved with this worthwhile organization by contacting the downtown YMCA.
2010 Polar Bear Races, Saturday, February 6
All races began at the same time this year to make the start of the 5k/10k and the finish of the mile less congested. That part went much smoother.
We apologize for the few who did not make it to the start on time. We made adjustments to the three folks who contacted us.
I would love to see this race get back to its glory days of 400+ participants. We appreciate the Bolivar YMCA for keeping it going.
2010 Estimated Time 3000, Saturday, January 16
We had a good crowd, a great sale, and a lot of fun. Michael Willis
was the best guesser this year -- estimating within 1.23 seconds of his
actual time.
With only one event in January, it is definitely our rest month.
We are looking forward to the coming year and sharing it with all of you.