Local runners compete at McCormick's Creek 5K

SPENCER -- Sunny skies and warm temperatures attracted runners and walkers from Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky to the YMCA/Friends of McCormick's Creek 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 30.

The YMCA/Friends of McCormick's Creek 5K was a multi-generational family event with 118 participants crossing the finish line on Saturday, vying for the fastest times in their age divisions. Participants ranged in age from eight to 73 years old.

For eight-year-old Lance McIntosh, it was a wonderful way to spend his birthday as he finished in 21st place with a remarkable time of 23:12. Equally remarkable was 73-year-old Joe Liechty of Greencastle with his time of 25:16.

Saturday's 5K boasted fast times as one of the first races of the 2011 Magnificent 7 Race Series. Turning in the fastest time overall was 16-year-old Peter Wegener at 17:53 with a pace of 5:46. Justin Graham of Cloverdale was close on his heels with a time of 17:55.

Andrea Eagleman was the first female with a time of 20:44 and a pace of 6:47, good for 10th place overall. Abby Laymon followed Eagleman across the finish line with a time of 21:03.

All participants gathered after the event to enjoy refreshments, take part in a prize drawing, and accept awards and gift cards.

Each year Friends of McCormick's Creek State Park and the Owen County Family YMCA host a 5K road run/walk in the spring and a four-mile trail run/walk in the fall. Proceeds provide scholarship opportunities for local families desiring YMCA memberships and supplement costs for family programming at McCormick's Creek State Park.

For sponsorship information or an entry form for the fall trail race at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, persons may call the YMCA at (812) 828-9622 or email programs@owencountyymca.org.