Almost 100 participate in 5K run during centennial

Submitted by Joanne Neilson Event Volunteer

Anybody looking for inspiration on Sunday morning should have come to the 5K fun run/walk which was held in conjunction with the Rainy River Centennial. The event attracted 94 participants between the ages of 3 and 68, competitive runners, walkers and entire families. The Running Bear 5K, in its second year, was initiated to encourage fitness and family participation while promoting the cross country program available as a co-op between Rainy River and Baudette schools. Sponsors provided prizes and cash to assist with the event. This year Brockie’s Jewellers of Fort Frances donated two Swiss Army watches as spot prizes. The winners were Ann Patten of Baudette and Jerry Moline of Baudette. Gift certificates from the Running Room for the oldest participants were won by Betty Brown of Fort Frances and Martin Heinrich of Baudette. The youngest participant Erin Clayton from Thunder Bay received a Centennial T-shirt and Sportop water bottle. Other draw prizes were provided by the Centennial Committee and the OPP while the Triple A Booster Club purchased the trophies and medals. Thanks also to sponsor Ainsworth of Barwick who provided the event with a cash donation. This year the Running Bear 5K is a fundraiser for both the cross country team and the girls varsity hockey team.
The race was run in 20 degree weather with slight breeze. Runners were on their mark at 9 am and were off. Last year‚s defending champion Will Pynten of Calgary won the men‚s event again with a time of 16:18 while Melissa Armstrong of Winnipeg cruised to a 18:06 victory in the women‚s event. Race results are as follows:
Women19 and under 1. Sheila Johnson 21:51 2. Shantelle Davidson 24:47 3. Madie Heinrich 24:56
20-29 1. Melissa Armstrong 18:06 2. Lisa Govier 25:28 3. Andrea McKinnon 30:04
30-39 1. Ann Patten 21:12 2. Sariina Kalli 24:06 3. Jeni Krause 25:36
40-49 1. Karen Ricci Craig 23:48 2. Doris Barton 24:04 3. Melissa Hannam 24:05
50+ 1. Helene Heinrich 30:04 2. Renae Moran 41:25 3. Betty Brown 43:10
Men 19 and under 1. Tyler Ketchum 18:39 2. Andrew Friesen 18:42 3. Matt Neilson 19:12
20-29 1. Rian Berg 19:55 2. Jared Berg 24:37 3. Trevor Hands 30:27
30-39 1. Will Pynten 16:18 2. Byron Goodwill 18:24 3. Darren Davidson 21:52
40-49 1. Brian Gaus 21:21 2. Bill Michl 21:35 3. William Langrehr 24:15
50+ 1. Randy Hodges 20:29 2. Paul Jackson 23:12 3. Bob Tkachuk 27:29