Veterans' Home Run attracts more than 300 competitors
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- Created on Saturday, 02 July 2011 17:09
- Written by Nathan
By MARK McNEILLIE, THE GAZETTE
Fourth of July weekend typically is spent at barbecues or baseball diamonds, but on Saturday morning, runners from all over the Pikes Peak region came out to Memorial Park for some exercise and to support a good cause.
Saturday marked the sixth annual Veterans' Home Run, a Pikes Peak Road Runners benefit event that supports the Crawford House, a downtown residence for veterans struggling with alcohol or drug problems.
Photo gallery 1 ... photo gallery 2
The men's 5K came down to the wire as William Edwards, 19, edged fellow Colorado Springs resident Josiah Valenzuela, 17, at the line. Both finished with the time of 16 minutes, 44 seconds. Randy Horner, 27, of Colonial Heights, Va., was third in 17:18.
Chelsey Brown, 20, of Colorado Springs was the top female finisher in 21:24. She was followed by Kendelle Krause, 24, (21:35) of Lombard, Ill., and Amelia Jaime, 31, (22:48) of Colorado Springs.
Results: 5K men ... 5K women ... 3K walk
“This is more of a community run,” said Jim Beckenhaupt, one of the race's founders and a participant. “It's not a high-profile race, although we get some good runners.”
Beckenhaupt, along with Jon Cornick and Jack Anthony, started the race as a way to support the Crawford House.
From its humble beginnings, the race has expanded to more than 300 participants. The flat course, which loops around Prospect Lake, is one thing that draws runners.
“It's a great course,” Beckenhaupt said. “Pretty flat, mile markers out there, lots of water, very scenic and probably a little cooler on a hot day. It's a beautiful, fast course, and I think that's why we get some really fast runners from (local) running stores.”
While the race falling on Fourth of July weekend was not the intent of the founders, the timing couldn't be much better.
“The way the racing calender works, (the race) fit in really well,” Beckenhaupt said. “It wasn't like we were specifically looking for the Fourth, but that's where it took us. It brings the focus on the independence and our national holiday, so I think it works well.”
Support from the military community has been key for the race. Many veterans, some who haven't run in years, come out and support both the race and the Crawford House.
Beckenhaupt said as long as there is a Crawford House, there will be a Veterans' Home Run.
“The (PPRR) has a lot of veterans in it,” Beckenhaupt said. “When they heard this was going to be for Crawford House, all the volunteers were veterans. We're not going to leave Crawford House. We're partnering with those guys until we don't need a Crawford House anymore.”
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