We’re back this week with a recap of races from across the state. Across the board, the weather has been heating up and runners are having to sweat it out. Here are a few race recaps from participants of the Run for your Life 5k, Crawfishman Triathlon, Red Bug Hill Challenge, Race Judicata 5k, and Etouffee 5K.
Photo Courtesy of Crawfishman Triathlon
2012 Run for Your Life 5k – Alexandria, LA
The Run for Your Life 5k took place on May 5, 2012 at the England Air Park in Alexandria, LA. May is Stroke Awareness Month, and the race benefitted the American Stroke Association. Participants were given information about stroke awareness and prevention; not surprisingly, exercise was identified as a key element of prevention and participants were ready to put this into action!
The race started promptly at 8am and runners and walkers enjoyed the flat out and back course that wound around the tarmac area of England Air Park. The aid stations were well stocked and race volunteers called out official times at miles one and two. For such a small race with a low entry fee, there was an excellent variety of post race food and swag. Overall, it was a great deal on a great race.
By LB GRaham
2012 Crawfishman Triathlon – Bush, LA
This was my first CrawfishMan experience and it was awesome.
We couldn’t have ordered better weather. The water felt great a little Spanish moss but that was expected. The rolling hills woke those legs up just in time to encounter more hills on the 4 mile run!
I’ve been a triathlete for years and have participated in many local events and this was a great event with far the best post race festivities.
Lots of great food, beer and frozen margaritas made on the spot!! And the awards are something you’d like to have in your home though unfortunately I didn’t place (there were some fast athletes on that course) but every finisher goes home with a CrawfishMan stemless wine glass! I would recommend every triathlete who wants to have a fun day do this race. “Spanish moss in my hands turn me into a CrawfishMan!”
By Cissy Blanchard
2012 Red Bug Hill Challenge – Saint Francisville, LA
Tucked away in beautiful St. Francisville, beyond the plantation homes and main bustle of this little town that reminds me of “where my blood runs deep” is a little secret they call Red Bug Hill. The namesake to this race is on Highway 421, as you drive through the rolling hills past all signs of anything remotely close to being called “densly populated.” The race is in memory of Jordy Rourke, who had Spina Bifida and unexpectedly passed away at the age of 20; he had just completed his second year of college. “Following Jordy’s lead, the Red Bug Hill Challenge seeks to help children born with Spina Bifida in Louisiana meet their needs and overcome any obstacles they may face.”
This was the 3rd year for the cycling event (5, 20, 40, or 60 mile) and the second for the 1mile and 5k trail runs. All runners and cyclists that are registered can opt in to do the Red Bug Hill Challenge. It is a grueling ¼ mile up hill, Red Bug Hill on highway 421. The surface is soft, padded with pine needles and soft sediment, memories of a trail less used. The trail itself is challenging, but not terribly technical thanks to a great clearing job by volunteers. It is a great trail for first timers and veterans alike. Last year, there were 32 runners who finished the 5k. This year, 81! The Overall winners for the 5k were Jenni Peters (25:05) and Dan Williams (19:44).
By Jamie Love
2012 Race Judicata 5k – Monroe, LA
Saturday was the annual Race Judicata held at ULM’s Brown Stadium. The race is a fundraiser for the Family Justice Center as well as the ULM cross country and track and field teams. The weather was hot and humid but the turnout and energy of all the runners were otherwise excellent. This race is always fun as it’s a flat course and a break from the usual 5K route run at Forsythe Park.
Several of the ULM distance runners were out on the course giving runners directions and calling out mile splits. The race was managed and timed by the Ouachita Valley Road Runners so, as always, it was a very well run event. This race is certainly low key, but if you’re looking for a different route, a flat course (hard to find hills in Monroe anyway), and an encouraging environment this is definitely one to check out.
By William Rogers
2012 Etouffee 5K – New Orleans, LA
Yesterday morning was home to warm yet non-muggy weather and the Junior League of New Orleans’ Etouffee 5k &half mile races at Audubon park. Families gather, some hand in hand , some strollers in hand to complete the park’s fast and flat course before the afternoon showers. With a crowd of friendly smiles both races smoothly provided on lookers with competitive times and close finishes.
Mathew Feehan at 2:46 and Zoe Ohmes at 3:30 were the young winners of the half mile race & Micah Tiropp 15:33 & Manuyan Reffell 19:29 topped off the 5K run for the men and women respectively.
By Whitney Mitchell
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