Frigid conditions didn’t stop over 240 brave souls from participating in the Parker Parks and Recreation Love ’em or Leave ’em Valentine’s Day 5K/10K this past Saturday at Bar CCC Park. The temperatures may have been low, but spirits were high, as runners and walkers enjoyed a post-race party with pancakes, awards, and prizes.
In the men’s 10K, 34-year old Dustin Kessinger took top honors in 47:43, followed closely behind by 51-year old Michael Johnston, who finished second in 48:23. Rounding out the top three was 50-year old Jeff Clear in 49:48.
The women’s 10K saw 52-year old Kris Minne finish on top for the ladies and third overall in 49:13. Crossing the line in second place was 24-year old Shaylinn Zweygardt in 52:52, followed by third place finisher 40-year old Kelly Johnson in 53:59.
The men’s 5K was quite a battle, with 16-year olds Nick Faestel and Tomas Beatey running stride-for-stride the majority of the race. Faestel prevailed, out-kicking Beatey by one second to finish first in 20:04; Beatey finished in 20:05. According to the results, an unknown male participant finished third in 22:37.
In the women’s 5K, 35-year old Anna Gasiewicz came in first in 23:28, with 12-year old Amanda Johnson and 32-year old Lyndsey Garcia finishing second and third, respectively, both crossing the line in 23:35.