Inaugural Freedom Fest 5k run in the books

As the community geared up to celebrate its independence on July 4th, the City of Checotah hosted Freedom Fest 5K Run.

71 runners from age 3 to 77 laced up their running shoes, stretched and took off on a 78 degree morning.

Rebecca Cannon, 76 was the oldest female to complete the race with a time of 50:47.

“I was a resident of Checotah and recently moved to Muskogee to be near my kids,” Cannon said.

Markus Unger, 77 of Muskogee, set the bar for the oldest runner with a time of 40:39.

The 5K was the product of Checotah Sports Complex Director Chris Brown.

“He did an amazing job working with 1:40 Race Service and helping organize the event,” Mayor Daniel Tarkington said.

“We plan on doing it again next year.”

For those who weren’t there to pound the pavement, there was a fun run/walk. Participants in the fun run traveled half way around the course and looped back.

Some families came just to cheer on the runners and there was no lack of encouragement as runners crossed the finish line.

Runners from Oklahoma, Texas, Connecticut and Alabama donned their numbers and participated in the race managed by I:40 Race Service in Muskogee.

“We came to cheer the ones who came to run. It is exciting to see this event added on this year and so many who travelled to participate in it,” Macy Williams said.

As the runners took to the street, David Prince took the role as head cook for the pancake breakfast.

Runners, workers and guests were treated to pancakes and sausage before the kickoff of the day’s festivities.

The inaugural event was added this year as a kickoff to the day-long Freedom Fest celebrations and is certain to become a family tradition.

Overall winners

1st place- Alan Cox, 40, Porter 18:58 2nd place- Fred James, 62, Wilburton 20:17 3rd place-Izayah Tayde, 16, Checotah 21:02 4th place-Weston Brown, 16, Checotah 22:28 5th place-Baxter Davis, 13, Muskogee 23:01 6th place-Kerry Riley, 53, Muskogee 23:17 7th place-Jaxon Richey, 14, Choctaw 23:21 8th place-Jonathan DiSalle, 39, Spanish Fort, AL 24:06 9th place Phillip Kizzia, 59, Checotah 24:47 10th place-Austin Lacey, 34, Yukon 25:18 11th place-Derek Sager, 15, Checotah 26:02 12th place-Margaret Casey, 55, Checotah 26:28 All final race results can be seen at www. I40raceservice.com