Though Saturday morningβs first-ever β5K for Relayβ used the same course as the annual βFreeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Runβ does in January, the weather conditions last weekend were warm enough for the participants not to freeze anything.
Fifty-five runners/walkers completed the five-kilometer route that started and ended outside Rainy River Community College to benefit the American Cancer Society βs Relay for Life, which took place later in the day inside the college.
The 5K race stayed close to the end as the top-two runners sprinted to the finish after turning off the highway in front of RRCC .
T.J. Bernard, 20, of International Falls, won in 21 minutes, 36 seconds, 2 seconds ahead of Josh Baumchen, 19, also from the Falls.
βI ran with one of my best friends, Josh Baumchen, and we were pushing each other the whole time,β Bernard said. βAt the end, I just tried to push as hard as I can, and it turned out well for me.β
Drew Fisher, who returned to the Falls area after playing pro hockey this past season for the Tulsa Oilers, came in third in 22:23.
For the complete race results, see the related chart in this edition of The Journal.
