5k Run/Walk Sponsored by the YMCA of Greater St. Louis
The annual 5K (3.1 miles) race is held in April as part of the GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend and takes place on Saturday in Forest Park. The annual race is one of the most diverse events held, with all ages and fitness level joining together to compete. In 2008, more than 1,200 competitors completed the race, which included more than 300 Read, Right & Run Marathon middle school children, who were completing their final program miles. Justin Kunz, 22 from Lebanon, IL was the overall winner of the 2008 5K Run. Kunz is a member of the St. Louis-based Big River Running Racing Team and finished with a time of 15:10, which established a new event record. Kunz eclipsed Chris Wallaert’s 2000 record time of 15:52. On the women’s side, 14-year-old Johanna Moeller from Fenton, MO finished first with a time of 22:44.
In the Master’s Division, Bruce Nie completed the 5K course in 17:44 to finish first, while Kelli Magre from Festus, MO was the woman’s top Master finisher with a time of 23:49.
The 5K Run/Walk is a great event for the novice runner or walker looking to join others in achieving their fitness goals. In addition, some of the area’s top short distance runners mark their calendar for this race.
Prize money is offered to the top overall men’s and woman’s winners and the top master winners.
