Waking up to snow is a common occurrence for runners this year, and today proved to be no different for the 16th annual St. Paul Spirit Run 5k. Runners completed on a hilly and simple loop course near the school.
Despite the temperatures and snow, Race Director Jack Brogan, now in his seventh year, was happy to have a strong turn out. “We were not exactly sure what to expect this morning given the weather we have, but happy to have so many people come out and support the school.”
All of the funds raised from today’s 5k go towards the school’s general fund. The 5k is one of the main fundraisers that the school conducts each year. There are also many local sponsors that support that race, and one of them is the Kovanda Family.
“It is a great chance for us to come out as a family and run together, but also to support the school where our kids go, “ said April Kovanda.
When asked why this race has always had a good turnout, Brogan said it is" the first race of the Gold Cup Series, so runners like it to start out the running season."
"Second, it is a challenging course and that helps runner gauge their level of fitness coming out of the winter months. And third, we have great homemade goodies at the end of the race that all seem to enjoy,” he added.
Instead of medals or trophies, the race director gives a selected piece of artwork that is copied and framed. Each award winner receives the artwork to recognize their winning. Ms. Vicki Schmidt is the art teach at St. Paul’s who holds a contest with her students, and the winning artist has the honor of being named the Spirit Run Award Artwork. This year’s winner, Grace Mulshine (pictured, with family), is a fourth grader who started attending St. Paul’s this school year.
This year’s overall and open winner was Leo Frey with a time of 18:21. The female open winner was Karen Nagle with at time of 20:55. Results can be found on T & H’s website.