As booths were being set up for the HRCA's Oktoberfest Celebration, the Highlands Ranch Run Series team was preparing for its 5K Oktoberfest Run and 100 Yard New Balance Sprint. Just down the block from the main event, participants gathered for race day registration, goodie bags and information. The air was full of excitement, knowing that the 2007 Run Series events would be completed at this event, and the overall Run Series award winners decided. The Run Series winners were so close over the Series of events that results are still being tabulated and double-checked.
At Oktoberfest, every participant had the opportunity to not only run a 5K but to compete for prizes by sprinting an additional 100 yards at the end of their 5K. Refreshments and the chance to join the main celebration were waiting at the finish line. One just had to sprint that 100 extra yards to get there! As a Series ending event, the 100 yard New Balance sprint was amazing. Athletes who had just given their all to finish their 5K with a strong time, crossed one finish one and kicked it up another notch to get 100 yards to the second finish line. Many athletes showed amazing style and stamina in this last test of strength and endurance. The crowd that gathered around the finish lines clapped and cheered as one runner after another raced each other. Some, whose tiredness showed on their faces and limbs, still gave that final effort to cross the second finishline.
When the results were tallied, Kyle Bernhardy finished the Oktoberfest 5K in first place for males overall, and Lori Franks finished in first place for overall females. Kyle's pace was 5:57 per mile and Lori's pace was 7:18 per mile. Both Kyle and Lori, past Run Series winners are strong contenders for Series Awards in 2007. John Reynolds, age 12 and Mike Sanchez age 16 both had impressive pace times of 7:31 per mile, and raced for 1 st and 2 nd places respectively in their 5K age division. Mike kicked it up a notch in the 100 yard dash, finishing in 10 th place overall for the sprint. Rudy Bellinger was a repeat winner in his age division taking 1 st place in the 5K for age 50 and older. Rudy, a familiar face at Run Series events, never fails to turn in a strong performance. He finished 25 th out of 219 participants who tried the 100 yard sprint. James Dunkleberger won his age division 30-39 with his family cheering him on. James made a strong showing in the Run Series event after event.
When the dust settled on the 100 yard New Balance sprint, Curtis Lee took the top award for the fastest male and 9 year old Audrey Ash surprised everyone by taking top honors for the fastest female. Each received a goodie bag of prizes including a free pair of New Balance running shoes.
Girls on the Run, a non profit organization that uses the power of running to change the way girls, ages 8 to 13, see themselves and their opportunities was the beneficiary for the Oktoberfest 5K Through this innovative health education and wellness program girls are inspired to a lifetime of self respect and healthy living.
The overall Run Series Award winners for 2007 will be announced soon! The winners will have accomplished an impressive athletic feat by participating in a number of events and pushing themselves to achieve high levels of performance. Highlands Ranch is home to many fine athletes, and families who supported the Run Series by participating or cheering. All levels of ability were represented as many tried their first run or their first triathlon. In 2007, the participation more than doubled for the Run Series, and that isn't counting the number of dogs who ran alongside their owners, or children who rode in strollers. If you haven't been to a Highlands Ranch Run Series event, look for the 2008 Run Series announcement. Isn't it time you and your family gave it a try?
Many thanks to our exceptional participants, sponsors, staff members and volunteers who supported the 2007 Highlands Ranch Run Series! Happy Trails!