Yup, Tucson's winter is here, as the TMC BE Tucson runners braved miserable morning conditions of 45 degrees and partly cloudy to complete the 3.1 circuit bundled in parkas, earmuffs, and ski caps.
But the Tucson running community is nothing if not resilient, and by the awards ceremony runners were sunning themselves in front of Kino Stadium, wine glasses in hand as they picked up Running Shop gift certificates and leftover wine glasses.
Race winner Brian Leroy set a new men's Open and Master's course record in 18:28, while Lauren Reasoner won the women's race for the 2nd time in the past three races, completing the 3.1 mile circuit in 19:42.
Following the TMC BE Tucson 5k, over 1,000 participants finished the TMC Girls on the Run 5k, presented by United Healthcare. You could not fail to be motivated by watching so many young girls run and walk and chair their way to the finish line in centerfield.
Speaking of being motivated, we're amazed at the perseverance of finishers Shirley Hester and David Scheider, while one of the more memorable finishes was by David Lopez -- at this race one year ago, David suffered a major heart attack in the Men's Mile. Attended by TMC staff and members of Tucson Fire Department, David then spent time in the hospital undergoing major surgery. He then got back to doing what he loves and finished a number of races including the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown -- he completed his comeback by crushing the 3.1 miles of BE Tucson -- BE Inspirational is more like it!
As you know, all races take a lot to come together.
We are grateful to the tag-team of Linda Whelan and Kerry Whelan for coming up with the BE Tucson t-shirt race design and for a ton of behind-the-scenes race organization. (Linda is the driving force behind the Hair of the Dog New Year's Day 8k, so you'll find her at Udall Park on January 1st!)
Special thanks to Sharon Bart and the Running Shop team for hosting registration before the race and award pickup after the race. If you won a top-three age group award, you can pick up your award at The Running Shop (3055 North Campbell) before the end of the year. All remaining glasses and shirts will be donated. See the
race results here
.
Our friends at TMC produced an exceptional fitness and health expo with over 30 vendors and the Girls on the Run training program. Midge Irwin and the folks from Pima County Parks and Kino Sports Complex provided a professional and beautiful venue. Thanks to the Tucson Police Department for providing road safety and to AMR ambulance for being on hand in case of emergencies.
Among the course volunteers, the Tucson Tri-Girls and the Sam Hughes Girl Scout Troop crushed the water stations, cheering and supporting the runners and walkers. Thanks to race weekend volunteers Bruce Chalk, Monica Bermudez, Jeff Fulk, Mucogi Seng, Gary Parcher, Pam Hoyt, Abbie Nastase, and Mary Black. (I think I'm missing somebody -- let me know!!) Thanks to SAR for social media help and to Sheryl for helping get volunteers.
We are appreciative of our local vendors: Sunset Screenprinting and Embroidery for doing the shirts and to Minkus Advertising for getting the wine glasses -- and to Chen at Broadway Uhaul (near Campbell) for always ensuring our transportation operations go smoothly!
Thanks to Greg Wenneborg and Roadrunners Race Timing for spending yet another weekend helping the Tucson running community manage its finish line times and results!
Of course, Tia Accetta is not a volunteer, but she deserves a ton of recognition for all the work and putting up with all the pre-race stress!
If you have any questions about the race or any complaints, please let me know!
