When Lauren Glaser, age 4, and Tucker Glaser, age 3, crossed the finish line of the Oktoberfest 5K Run, their father, Mark Glaser, was close behind pushing the stroller.

It was their sixth time participating in an event in the 2006 Highlands Ranch Run Series, offered by the Highlands Ranch Community Association. Their mother, Kim, ran as well. The children couldn't be a part of the Splash, Mash and Dash Triathlon, but mom and dad both were!

This family involvement was one of the reasons why the HRCA started the Highlands Ranch Run Series in 2005. Much national attention had been focused on the need to help people stay physically healthy, fight obesity and avoid chronic heath problems. Families wanted a way to get active and stay active in their own neighborhood.

The Run Series offered a unique opportunity for this to happen by providing seven runs to benefit seven charities. Both experienced runners and beginners were able to experience a 5K, 10K and even a Triathlon. The family-friendly atmosphere attracted both new and seasoned runners and kept them coming back. Participants from age eight to over age sixty signed up to try one or more of the runsand many brought their families along.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association's 2006 Run Series began in March and drew to a close with the Ockoberfest 5K on Sept. 16. The Highlands Ranch community, along with the HRCA recreation centers and programs, provided ample opportunities for participants to get ready to run and have fun doing it. Each of the runs in the Run Series benefited a local charity so participants not only felt good about their own health benefits but that their participation helped others as well.

Awards were given for each of the seven runs in the series. In order to be eligible for a Run Series Award, a participant had to compete in five of the seven Runs. Kyle Bernhardy, a Highlands Ranch resident, was the male winner of the overall Run Series. Kyle competed in six of the seven Runs in the Series and won five of them.

Lori Bomleny, also a Highlands Ranch resident, was this year's female overall Run Series winner. She participated in five runs out of the seven and won three of them. Both of these athletes made their community proud with their outstanding run times and commitment to fitness.

At the Oktoberfest 5K, Paula Morrison impressed everyone by crossing the finish line less than one minute behind Kyle Bernhardy, the first place male. Although not everyone received an award, everyone who participated in the series deserved one! Their participation served as a role model for the community and benefited the following organizations:

The Saint Paddy's Run for the Green 5K -- The Highlands Ranch Park and Recreation Foundation for Civic Green Park

The Highlands Ranch Heritage 5K Run/Walk -- The Mile High Pow Wow Association

The Highlands Ranch Adventure 5K Run/Walk -- The Highlands Ranch Scholarship Foundation

The Highlands Ranch Independence Day Sunset 10K -- The Special Olympics, Colorado

The Green Monster 4 Mile and Dash for Cash -- The Oncology Unit at the Children's Hospital

The Splash-Mash-Dash -- The Women's Crisis Center

The Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest Run/Walk -- Girls on the Run

The 2007 Run Series will kick off in March, 2007. There will be one event a month for seven months in 2007.

Join your friends and participate in one or more of these fun events ranging from 5K runs to triathlons. Start with The Saint Paddy's Day Run on March 17. On April 18, the Heritage/Adventure Trail Run will get your heart-pumping, and then get ready to continue the celebration with the May 5 Cinco de Mayo 5K Run, new to the 2007 Series.

Based on the success of the 2006 Splash, Mash and Dash Sprint Triathlon, we're adding another one, the Tune-Up Tri, on June 2. Next, enjoy the Fourth of July with the Independence Day 10K and holiday festivities. Be sure to mark your calendars for the Splash, Mash and Dash on Aug. 11, followed by the Oktoberfest 5K Run on Sept. 15.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2006 Run Series. There will be packages with special pricing for those that sign up early for the group of events. Wouldn't the Run Series make a great holiday gift for someone special?

Please check our website for additional information. www.highlandsranchrunseries.com or email the Fitness Coordinator at hradcock@hrcaonline.org or the Run Series Specialist at kfitzgerald@hrcaonline.org