64 take part in Putnam County Museum Race

On September 27, 64 runners and walkers charged down the pathways of the DePauw Nature Park for the fifth running of the Putnam County Museum Race.

The difficult 4-mile run was won by DePauw University senior Michael Lutz, who posted a a time of 24:04.

First place for the women was Janelle Ralph, with a time of 27:23.

The oldest and one of the best runners, Joe Liechty, proved why he is one of the best over-70 runners in the United States with a time of 28:09.

The youngest, 14-year-old Lyndsie Beasley, showed her skills with a time of 32:51.

In the 2-mile walk, nationally ranked number one in the fifty age group, Damon Clements of Crawfordsville, walked at an 8:46 pace to finish in 17:37.

First for women was Curves owner Rhonda Louderback in 24:23.

Walker ages ranged from 10-year-old Katie Jo Beasley to 80-year-old Amelia Stedman.

Amelia, who treads water for an hour five days a week, had a time of 37:09.

Race directors Lee and Susan Stewart felt that the race went off perfectly and that the participants went away pleased with themselves and with the good variety of gift certificates provided by local restaurants and businesses.

"The loyal, highly reliable volunteers that are necessary for a race to function well proved invaluable," Susan Stewart said. "At a time when our economy is on the slow side, sponsors are even more appreciated."

Sponsors for the event included First National Bank, Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Walden Inn, Teachers' Credit Union, Old National Bank, Autumn Glen, Dr. Park Firebaugh, Dr. Warren Macy, Dr. Daryl Hodges, HBG, Curves, Summit Builders Inc., Jameson Coffee and Dixie Chopper.

Gift Certificates were provided for winners by Almost Home, Cavern Club, Chief's, Final Approach, Kroger Store;, McDonald's, Mama Nunz, R Bistro, Running Company and Treasures on the Square.