May 5, 2007 may have been a rainy day, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the 220 runners and walkers who participated in the 1st annual Cinco de Mayo 5K. As part of the Highlands Ranch Run Series, this new event started at the Recreation Center at Southridge and wound its way back on trails surrounding McArthur Ranch Road. Although cool and wet that morning, the Highlands Ranch community bundled up and showed its ongoing interest in promoting good health while helping others.

Withits 3rd event, the Highlands Ranch Run Series showedthat having close-to-home places where people can join activities supports people in becoming active and staying active. As everyone got ready for the start of the Cinco de Mayo 5K, many familiar faces were in the line-up along with a number of new ones. Conditioned athletes as well as families and pets joined the fun once again.

Paul Brappo crossed the finish line as the 1 st place overall male winner. Lori Franks, who took 1 st place in her division at the St. Patty's Day Run and female 1st place overall in the Adventure Run 5K, was the 1 st place overall female winner. 11 year old Cassandra Hardy won her age division as she did in the Adventure Run. Other division winners included Rudy Ballinger, Nathan Amack, Kyle Bernhardy, Roxanne Geisler, Caitlin Hamilton, Michael Roach, and Ginger Wedin. Mark Glaser, Josh Barcklay, and GiGi Pleet were among those who crossed the finish line pushing children in strollers. In all, 40 families participated in the Cinco de Mayo event as runners or walkers. In addition, a large number of people braved the drizzle, stayed to cheer for the participants and join the post-race celebration.

The Cinco de Mayo 5K benefited El Centro Su Theatro, a multidisciplinary Latino cultural arts center with emphases in theatre, film, poetry, music, and arts education. Post-race events featured performers from El Centro Su Theatro. John Kuebler, Rafael Martinez, Dolores Fernandez, Robert Fernandez and Rebecca Fernandez Martinez, and Valarie Castillo provided musical entertainment after the race. El Centro Su Theatro also provided a number of volunteers,who helped out during the run and with the awards ceremony.

This new event and beneficiary were a great addition to the Highlands Ranch Run Series. Through the Cinco de Mayo 5K and the other events in the Run Series, a broader, multigenerational, recreation environment is building within the Highlands Ranch community. Physical activity, volunteerism and charitable contribution are drawingmore families and individuals of all ages. The business community is involved as well. Many run sponsors provided refreshments, donated prizes and gave their time.

Next up in the HR Run Series is the Tune-Up Sprint Triathlon which will take place June 2nd, 2007. This event will combine a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run and is a great "tune up" for your racing season. The event will be located at the Recreation Center at Westridge, 9650 S. Foothills Canyon Blvd in Highlands Ranch. Start time is 6:30 am.

The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund (HRCSF) is the beneficiary of the Tune Up Sprint Triathlon. The HRCSF is a non-profit organization providing post-secondary education scholarships for students residing in Highlands Ranch or attending Highlands Ranch schools.

For more information about the Run Series, the Run Series sponsors and upcoming events, visit www.highlandsranchrunseries.com To volunteer for an upcoming event please contact Kristi Fitzgerald at kfitzgerald@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-7053.