As he has before, Shane DeGannes led from start to finish first among men in Sunday’s Martin Luther King Jr. 5K Run. His time of 20:24, somewhat slower than his previous victory in this race, reflected the fact that he had merged this race onto the end of a longer run that had started an hour earlier. Twenty years Shane’s senior, frequent age-group champion Jack Hullings wasn’t far behind, taking second ahead of Eddie Butcher, winner of the 7K Run three weeks ago. Their times were 20:48 and 21:54 respectively.
The other speedy runner in the Thompson family, seven-year old Trey, finished in 24:07 to lead two occasional youth winners of St. Thomas Association of Runners (STAR) and cross-country races, Silas Wisehart (24:42) and Taber Helton (27:17).
Teenager Talisse Thompson continued her dominance of the women’s races in good time. The cross-country champion and female winner of the Kwanzaa Run finished in 24:07, far ahead of all female runners. Julia Ryan finished first among senior women in 30:46, which was good for second overall, followed by Catherine Ryan (33:45). Marilyn Brandt, who had shared baby stroller duty with husband Tyler, was only one minute behind. Impressively Gayle Deller power-walked the whole 5,000 meters to post the fastest walker’s time of 35:37. Complete results are below.
By the way, Deller invites everyone to come out and support the “Against the Tide Swim” for fighting breast cancer at Magens Bay on Feb. 7.
Many of these runners are gearing up for three big upcoming races. Next week on Jan. 25, STAR will put on its famous annual Women’s Jogger Jam. Run continuously since 1983, this race is generously sponsored by the Fruit Bowl and may be contested by more than 400 women of all ages, walkers as much as runners. On Feb. 8, there’s the Magens Bay/Peterborg 10K at 7 a.m., and on Valentine’s Day, Therapy Works will offer the second annual Lovers’ Lane Walk/Run.
For more information about the Women’s Jogger Jam, contact Therese Hodge at 775-6373. Contact Therapy Works to re-register for the Valentine’s Day event and Roy Watlington (777-8183) for more about the MLK Jr 5K. The complete STAR schedule can be seen on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stthomasassociationofroadrunners
Complete Results by Finishing Time of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 5K:
1. Shane DeGannes 20:24
2. Jack Hullings 20:48
3. Eddie Butcher 21:54
4. Mario Toussaint 23:51
5. Talisse Thompson 24:07
6. Trey Thompson 24:07
7. Silas Wisehart 24:42
8. Jason Budsan 24:43
9. Bill Thompson 24:52
10. Taber Helton 27:17
11. Julia Ryan 30:46
12. Frank Gibbs 33:43
13. Catherine Ryan 33:45
14. Marilyn Brandt 34:43
15. Tyler Smith 35:02
16. Gayle Deller 35:37
17. Marie Martin 49:53
18. Lori Thompson — Not timed
