More than 150 early birds of all ages followed the invitation of the Trailhead Athletic Club to participate in the 10th Annual Las Sendas Fun Run as throngs of neighbors and friends came to walk, roll or stroll the 1.5 mile or the 5K distances.
Indeed, the Fun Run had drawn a patchwork of all ages, starring the youngest participants in strollers or on tricycles. There was no upper age limit either, as each runner could cover the distance at an individual pace.
“I do try to run five days a week,” said Las Sendas resident Kim Swartz, “but I am slow. I just run up and down on Ridgecrest before work.”
Kim, a guidance counselor in Gilbert, had brought her friend Denise Griffin. “I catch up with her on the weekend,” said Denise. “Maybe I’ll do five miles total during the week.” How did they expect to perform? “We’ll cross the finish line,” Denise joked. “That’s why they are calling this a Fun Run.”
Young sportspeople, like first-grader Kacia Kirshen and kindergartener Davin Fowler, enjoyed embellishing their nametags before the race. Davin’s mom, Dara, had roped Kacia’s mom, Tawnia, into the event.
The 2010 Fun Run featured all sorts of interesting vehicles. The Reedy family, who came to run with their friends in Las Sendas, had brought their specialty bike called a sidehack. Dad chauffeured the boys, while mom finished the 5K.
Perhaps the youngest independent finisher, at 1.5 miles, was 3-year-old Dax Eaton on his tricycle. “He rides his bike all day long, ever since he turned 2,” proclaimed proud father Dave Eaton, who ran the 5K. Mom Liz, Dax, and 1-year-old brother, Rudd, made it together across the finish line.
From recreational to competitive, all performance levels had entered the Las Sendas Fun Run. For example, business professionals and Las Sendas residents Cathy and Kerry Yndestad, have developed a serious running habit together.
Allek Mott, who is from Las Sendas, and is a ninth-grade student at Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies, plays tennis and was in excellent shape. He won the 1.5 mile run, supported by parents Jim Mott and Ann Belfield.
Far ahead of the 5K field ran Red Mountain High School students Andrew Marriott, Travis Tryhaft and Joey Tanori. “We are just having fun,” Andrew stated while still out of breath. The three are from cross-country and track and field backgrounds.
“The Fun Run was the last part of our Fall Into Fitness Program,” said Athletic Director Kristha Lima. “The run was a success thanks in great part to our fantastic sponsors,” she continued. “This year’s sponsors were the Las Sendas Golf Club, Iron Gear Sports and Arizona Auto Parts.”
Kristha had worked several weeks to prepare the event. Teaming with head personal trainer Delia Scegiel and other helpers, she received invaluable assistance from everyone.
“We also have had a lot of community involvement, thanks to sponsors like Mike Pearson and John Willey, who donated posters to be displayed in the vicinity,” Kristha stated. Apparently, the posters were positively noticed.
Participation was about evenly split between the 1.5 mile and 5K runs. Compared with last year’s small attendance of 40, the 10th run had evolved into a real happening.
Community Association Board President Joe Ballway saw the runners off at the start line. He was pleased about the excellent turnout, and encouraged the crowd to bring him ideas for more community events.
Winners in the 1.5 mile race, men: Allek Mott (9:40), Patrick Deufrit (11:26), Reese Sorkness (12:6); women: Lauren Deffner (13:26), Kim Sorkness (14:30), Jen Wojtulewicz (15:46).
Winners in the 5K race, men: Andrew Marriott (18:17), Travis Tryhaft (18:18), Joey Tanori (19:38); women: Sheila Smith (21:45), Carmen Whitting (23:02), Katie Jaffe (23:14).