Lots of dogs in the run, but no Irish Setters
The 3rd Annual 5K Green Run was the big winner in this year’s event.
More than 176 runners, and an uncounted number of dogs, participated in the run that began at the Xtreme Amphitheatre, ran along Lakeshore Drive and returned to the starting point.
The overall winner of the event was 16-year-old Thomas Yahola III of Konawa, with a time of 18 minutes and 15 seconds.
Second place went to James McLawler, 17, of Norman, who ran the course in 19:45.
Third place went to 63-year-old Fred James of Holdenville, whose time was 19:49.
In the female category, twin sisters from Overland Park, Kansas, came in first and second. Evie Caldwell, 11, finished the run in 18:15 and Charlie Caldwell ran the course in 25:08.
Checotah resident Margaret Casey, 55, won third place in the female category and first in her age bracket.
For the first time, Lake Country Fitness hosted the event.
“It went way better than expected,” said Lake Country Manager Shanna Streets-Covey. “We had much nicer weather than years past. There were more vendors than we thought. The whole thing went off very well. The city did great, the police made sure everyone was safe, EMTs were on hand but there were no medical issues.
“We look forward to next year.”
Profits from this year’s run went to the Homeless Outreach Program of Eufaula (H.O.P.E.), which finds help for the homeless and near homeless.
Next year, a different charity will be chosen.
If there seemed to be more dogs joining this year’s run, there were.
Lake Dog and Their People owner Shari Wilkins sponsored a Pet Run.
“The Green Run is a great community event, very healthy, and we want to get dogs involved too,” she said. “If you register your dog in the race, either the fun run or 5K, we will give you a dog bandana and a dog treat.”
She also sponsored a dog costume contest.
The oldest female runner in this year’s race was 74-year-old Barbara Johnsen of Eufaula, whose time was 57:25.
The oldest male runner was 72-year-old Richard Goodmiller of Checotah, whose time was 48:05.
Timing services were provided by I:40 Race Service.
