First Annual Museum's Run Wild 5K event a great success
Race featured runners from ages 2 to 86 years
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha Proud Parents Jason Foster (center) and parents Lori and Dana Foster, P.A., are so excited Jason finished first in the children's half mile race at the El Campo Museum's Wild Run 5K Run/Walk Saturday. His brother, Benjamin Dufour, finished 9th in the adult race, while their mom came in 11th place. The event included 81 registered entries altogether.

The first annual El Campo Museum's "Run Wild" 5K event held Saturday was a great success, according to Director Cheri McGuirk.

"I couldn't have asked for better Run Wild co-chairs, Abby Goerig and Sandie Rod, as well as a very dedicated board of directors and their families who came out to help," said Cheri McGuirk, Museum director.

Individuals, couples, families and co-workers joined in the event. There were 81 registered entries, with the youngest being Anna Rod and the oldest runner being Lowell Miller of Nada.

"We had a great turn out," said McGuirk. "We had entries from twoyears old to 86-years-old. Just goes to show you that you're never too young or too old to enjoy the outdoors and support the Museum at the same time."

As runners lined up in the El Campo Civic Center parking lot the race headed south on Mechanic (Highway 71) with police escorts. A brief water stop stationed at the El Campo Aquatic Center was manned by local Cub Scouts.

"Thank you to everyone who came out and supported Run Wild. The museum will definitely benefit from El Campo's generosity and participation," said Rod. "Cheri McGuirk, the board members, and their families worked really hard to make it a success. It was a fun day for everyone and we hope to make next year's race even better."

Patrick Pitts was the overall winner and male overall winner of the adult race, with Miles Locke coming in second, followed by Samantha Wood in third place, who was also the female overall winner. Pitts' time was 18:35 and Wood's was 18:46.

Others finishing in order from fourth through 10 are as follows: Paul Lopez, Mason Locke, Cody Morton, Tammy Alexander, Rhea Kachmar, Benjamin Dufour and Tami Triska.

The top 10 finishers in the children's half mile race which looped around the Civic Center are as follows: Jason Foster, Kayla Gerdes, Sierra Rodriguez, Kellee Gerdes, Sydney Slattery, Ty Morton, Bethany Gold, Austin Thompson, Jack Dorotik and Shea Slattery.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony and pizza party.

Mid Cost Medical Clinic had the most entries and will receive a catered lunch from the Museum. The most entries for one age group was females, ages 30-39. Each winner in their age group, male and female in both the adult and children's group received a "wild" stuffed animal, a Ty Beanie Baby. Each participant also received a T-shirt bearing the name of the event.

"We plan to 'Run Wild' again next year," said McGuirk. "We already have talked about some things we can improve on for next year. The first year is always a learning experience."

Proceeds will be used to fund the "Imagination Station" in the children's area, refurbish the waterfowl exhibit and help in the mounting of a bobcat, according to McGuirk.