- November 17, 2024
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After a little girl’s singing of the Star Spangled Banner, hundreds of runners, some dressed in lights and other Christmas-themed attire, while others dressed appropriately to win the events, were turned loose to compete in the Starlight’s third-annual half-marathon and 5K , held on Saturday, Dec. 20, in Central Park at the Town Center.
Contestants were entertained throughout their runs by music and various Christmas lights along the course, and they even got to experience a little snow at the starting line.
Carrie Meng, the director of the festive event, was thrilled by the success of the large turnout.
“It means a lot to see the support from the community and all the out-of-towners here as well,” Meng said. “It’s the only night run in the county. We wanted to do something that was going to be festive, unique and memorable.”
These were the first place winners for all the divisions.
Male half-marathon open winner Jim Fullarton, masters winner Scott Smith, ages 15-19 Michael Lomax, 20-24 Sean Snyder, 25-29 David Morden, 30-34 Matthew Bohlke, 35-39 Justin Bredenstein, 40-44 Daren Johnson, 45-49 Peyton Godwin, 50-54 Bruce Griffin, 55-59 Bob Pearce and 60-64 Bob Hamlin.
Winners in the ladies’ half-marathon divisions include: open winner Bethany Britz, masters winner Vanessa Reed, 1-14 Katie Coleman, 15-19 Claire Seefried, 20-24 Meaghan Faletti, 25-29 Christina Mortimer, 30-34 Alaina Pixley, 35-39 Samantha English, 40-44 Angel Baer, 45-49 Shawn Dortch, 50-54 Diane Pearce, 55-59 Luanne Rutt, 65-69 Marsha Hoffman-Vaile.
Male 5K winners: open winner Noah Van Der Burgt, masters winner Christian Magnell, 1-14 David Rypkema, 15-19 Jack Tabar, 20-24 Austin Berry, 25-29 Jared Rypkema, 30-34 Craig Beers, 35-39 Jason Hartley, 40-44 Michael Pane, 45-49 Laurent Alves, 50-54 Kenneth Pado, 55-59 Paul Palmer, 60-64 Donnie Walker, 65-69 Wayne Merrill, 70-74 Bob Broadwater and 75 and older Jerry Lardinois.
Female 5K winners: open winner Lauren Matteis, masters winner Heidi Alves, 1-14 Bryanna Pado, 15-19 Grace Rypkema, 20-24 Ashland Rahn, 25-29 Alana Shawah, 30-34 Harmony Cantanno, 35-39 Margit Whitam, 40-44 Anna Crawford, 45-49 Theresa Wamhoff, 50-54 Maritssa Vazquez, 55-59 Nancy LaRive, 60-64 Libbie Butler and 65-69 Terri Mazzeo.
There were many first-time participants in the Starlight runs. Justin and Toni Yaple, a married couple dressed in the Grinch’s apparel, said they were inspired to participate, due to the Christmas theme. On the way to the event, Justin Yaple decided to run to be with his wife, who is preparing for the Jax Banks Marathon, rather than cheer her on.
Mother and daughter duo, Heidi and Mackenzie Shaw, were running as members of the Red, White and Blue Organization, which promotes communities for veterans.
“This is a special event,” Heidi Mackenzie said. “This will be our first nighttime run, and we love the Christmas lights and all the surroundings. Mackenzie Shaw echoed her mother’s sentiment with “I’m excited to get to this.”
Meng, a frequent runner, has yet to run in her event, but don’t count her out for any future events.
“I can’t participate now, because it’s my full-time job, and it takes a certain expertise to run this event,” she said. “Maybe one day, if I pass it on to someone else, I will definitely compete.” (photos by Steven Libby)
