A Fantastic Fourth for BLUEgrass Runners
July 4, 2010
Val Zeps looks strong as he approaches the finish line and takes the top masters award.
Well, it was actually, the THIRD of July when two local races drew a massive turnout of runners to celebrate our nation’s birthday with an annual run through the streets of the Bluegrass. Unusually comfortable temperatures (60 degrees at 7am) made for an extra enjoyable morning, and BLUEgrass Runners took full advantage of the weather and brought the heat in Lexington’s Bluegrass 10,000 and Frankfort’s Buffalo Chase 5K.
At the 10K, our club’s Male Runner of the Year Val Zeps, 50, beat out all other runners aged 40 and up to take the Overall Masters award. Val ran 35:51 and finished 17th overall in the race.
Among the 3,203 finishers, fourteen other BLUEgrass Runners walked away with an age group award. Club members who beat out all other runners in their age/gender categories are Roberta Meyer, John Sensenig, Mary Nagle, and Stan Briggs.
Lew Bowling, Deb Jackson, Jim Jackson, Stephanie Jetson, and Steve Wilson exchange stories post-race and enjoy the gorgeous morning downtown.
In addition to the trophies that many took home, experiencing the Bluegrass 10,000 for the first time was a reward in itself for several club members. Stephanie Jetson, Jessica Ensor, and Lew Bowling were among those who made the trip out and back Richmond Road on foot for the first time. All three were spotted at the BGR Meeting Spot post-race with a thumbs up for our city’s beloved 10K.
Just down the road in Frankfort, the Great Buffalo Chase 5K drew a crowd of 478 finishers, and among them were a number of BLUEgrass Runners. BGR Vice President Rana Johnson won her age group with a time of 21:42, and club member Leroy Sanborn took first in his, finishing in 25:32.
Click here to see the full list of member results in the Bluegrass 10,000.
Click here to see the full list of member results in the Great Buffalo Chase 5K.
Club members gather post-race on a beautiful July 3 morning.
