Oaklawn Color Classic sees record turnout
On a sunny June 8 morning in Marshall, approximately 1,500 runners and walkers took part in the Oaklawn Color Classic, competing in the 5k and Mile Fun Run.
Henry Leson of Olivet and Allison Gautsche of Union City were the top male and female runners.
Leson, age 14, won the 5k with a time of 18:39.83, while Gautsche, age 15, finished ninth overall with a time of 21:26.86.
Other top male runners in the event were Ethan Huff of Homer, who finished second with a time of 18:56.8 and Chandler Cruz of Marshall, who finished third overall with a time of 19:58.33.
The second and third females to finish behind Gautsche were Lily Britton of Charlotte with a time of 21:38.99 (10th overall) and Meghan Currie of Albion (14th overall and last year’s top female runner) with a time of 22:03.55.
All racers received a race T-shirt, sunglasses, neck gaiter, pint glass and participation medal.
The event, which has grown out of the longtime annual Hospitality Classic, got under way as participants gathered near the Fountain Circle at 9 a.m. for registration. The 5k began at 10 a.m. followed by the Fun Run at 11:30 a.m.
The top finisher in the Fun Run was Dominic Purcell of Battle Creek with a time of 5:52.47, just edging out Marshall’s Taiven Dermyer who had a time of 5:54.26. Britton was the top female finisher in the event with a time of 6:18.11.
The Mile Fun Run was free for Youth Fitness Club participants. Students from Gordon, Hughes, Walters, Harrington, Sonoma, Marshall Academy, Homer and Mar Lee elementaries all had the opportunity to participate.
During the Color Classic runners were given black shirts and face-protecting gear. At multiple checkpoints during the races, they were doused by volunteers with powders of different colors. All materials were approved under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and runners could avoid the powder if they wished.
Greeting participants at the finish line with water and medals were volunteers, including Oaklawn President and CEO Gregg Beeg.
“This is such a great event, and we look forward to this every year,” said Beeg. “Thanks to the community for its participation and support of Oaklawn and getting healthy.”
Added Oaklawn Marketing Associate Aidan Belew: “It was a beautiful day, and we are so happy that we can again put on this event for the community. It was a record-breaking day with over 1,500 participants, including those who registered and those students in the Youth Fitness Club.”
The club is made possible with support from Eaton Corp., one of the event sponsors.
Other sponsors were Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, Red Squirrel Fund, Puckett Construction, Albion Homer United Way, Sturgis Bank & Trust, American 1 Credit Union, Southern MI Bank & Trust, Marshall Community Credit Union and Jack and Lisa Reed.
The Copper Athletic Club hosted an afterparty with live music and other activities.
Full race results may be found at www.runsignup.com by clicking on the “Find a race” button. The website also allows visitors to follow many race events, including participants’ statistics and times.
The Hospitality Classic’s 5k course record for males was set by Duane Daughtery in 1997, with a time of 14:56. The 5k record for females was set by Jenny Goodpaster in 2000, with a time of 17:19.
