Brisk Breeze No Barrier to Successful Freedom 5K Event

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The Freedom 5K Run/Walk is conducted in memory of Spc. Robert Friese and all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This was the event’s 15^th year, and on April 25 the community once again turned out to cheer on the participants, as well as to honor the foundation upon which it has been built.

This year saw 117 registrants, however not all participants were registering their times but walked to be a part of something larger than themselves. Others walked to remember those who could not.

It was a chilly day this year, but the warmth of all involved was not deterred, as they enjoyed the Color Guard Presentation of the Colors, and a gorgeous vocalization of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Then, when the 10 a.m. hour arrived, the runners burst through the starting arch for the 3.1-mile timed race. Walkers held their own pace as all honored fallen veterans, while also helping to raise maintenance/operation funds for Veterans Freedom Park.

The Girls on the Run group has reformed after a several-years hiatus, and members were at the finish line to cheer on all who crossed through the gate.

As always, the Clare County Mounted Division was on hand with heir trusty steeds to ensure a safe route for all, as were Reserve officers who managed traffic at the starting/finish line.

Awarding of medals followed as each division was completed. Individual race times were posted at www.veteransfreedompark.com. This year’s top placers, listed by category, name and time, included:

Overall

Top Male Finisher – Overall: Logan Young 17:37:1

Top Female Finisher – Overall: Bella Young 22:32:9

Masters

Top Male Finisher – Master: Ronald Callen 20:04.8

Top Female Finisher – Master: Rene Lang 26:11.0

Males by Age Group

Male 12 and younger – E. Young 24:50.2; J. Young 26:54.0

Male 13 to 15 – Gavin Jansen 22:18.4; Noah Heatley-Slusher 28:34.0

Male 16 to 19 – Carson Johnson 22:38.9

Male 20 to 24 – Aiden Lawrence 20:54.3

Male 25 to 29 – Toby Bullman 34:06.3

Male 30 to 34 – Caleb Stanton 21:43.3; Ivan Guiterrez 24:04.1; Jarred Shaw 24:24.2

Male 35 to 39 – Kyle Brown 23:01.3; Jim Lockwood 24:28.6; Ken DuRussel 25:56.3

Male 40 to 44 –Luke Vanica 24:56.1; Lloyd Eberhart 26:09.4; Barry Wallace Jr. 26:35.5

Male 45 to 49 – Joseph Windhorst 24:45.1; Greg Young 26:59.7; Cody McVicar 37:38.5

Male 55 to 59 – Jeffery Golnick 29:44.3; Brian Wheatley 25:59.3; Thomas Kunse 42:15.0

Male 60 to 64 – Steve Cathcart 26:02.0; Tony Argenta 1:00:31.8

Male 65 to 69 – David Yahr 45:56.0; Michael Hund 47:35.2; David Somers 53:26.5

Male 70 and older – Richard Miller 30:08.7; Darrell Weldon 30:35.3; Jerry Spate 38:41.0

Females by Age Group

Female 12 and younger – A Rzewnicki 30:42.8; E. Ridge 37:19.8; C. Ridge 40:09.3

Female 13 to 15 – Bella Young 21:20.8; Kayli Lockwood 24:28.3; Emma Miller 35:12.1

Female 16 to 19 –Destiny Kebilbeck 41:49.1

Female 20 to 24 – McKenzie Small 36:40.3; Racheal Pasquini 39:08.6

Female 25 to 29 – Rylie Hall 41:21.3; Kaitlyn Heatley 52:34.0; Sylvia Davis 1:00:44.9

Female 30 to 34 – Brooke Guthrie 27:07.6; Krysten Morningstar 36:25.3; Maegan Jenkins 47:34.8

Female 35 to 39 – Jessica Flowers 25:35.5; Brittany DuRussel 28:352.8; Stephanie Oster 33:16.0

Female 40 to 44 – Stefanie Hamilton 31:36.0; Katie Poole 49:52.3; Jennifer Koch 58:20.7

Female 45 to 49 – Atasha Johnson 30:46.7; Sarah Taylor 35:42.7; Mary Cooper 35:42.8

Female 50 to 54 – Jessica Young 28:24.3; Tammy Hall 38:04.6; Tracy Ruell 45:54.1

Female 55 to 59 – Pam Prause 34:24.6; Sarah McCone 38:40.8

Female 60 to 64 –Melissa Wheatley 36:10.3; Judith Evans 36:20.0; Sharon St. Germaine 37:32.6

Female 65 to 69 – Melanie Conway 32:37.0; Robin Mosher 43:24.8; Julie Wilson 45:44.0

Female 70 to 79 –Patti Spate 54:11.9; Deb Sherrod 58:20.9

80 and older – Pamela Seeburger 48:06.8

Congratulations go out to all the running and walking participants in this 15^th annual event.