Josh Stoltzfus and Lisa Cooper captured the overall male and female titles at the annual I Ran From the Cops 5K on Sept. 12, in Willow Springs. The event drew its largest turnout in history, with more than 45 runners and walkers competing, said organizers.
Stoltzfus paced the overall field with a time of 20:47, while Cooper claimed the top female spot in 24:02.
The race serves as a fundraiser for both the Willow Springs Police Department and the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce. Playing into the event's theme, WSPD officers Joe Barnhouse, Corey Clark and Katie Kreusen volunteered to "chase" participants along the route.
"This year's turnout was the biggest we've ever had, and that's pretty exciting to see," Chamber Executive Director Kim McCormick said. "It's a little exercise, a little competition and a whole lot of fun, and having our officers out there chasing everyone just makes it better."
Top Finishers
In the 12 and under male division, Matthew Bevill took first with a time of 35:31, followed by Andrew Bevill in 38:32. Oakley Watkins won the 13-15 female division in 26:15, with Emily Curl finishing second at 37:57. Jace Letterman paced the 16-19 male category with a time of 23:21. For the 16-19 females, Amanda Thomas placed first (29:41), followed by Khloe Loring (31:18) and Raegen Denton (31:19).
Damon Sewell won the 30-39 male division in 28:09, finishing ahead of Jimmy Cox (47:58). Emily Garner claimed the 30-39 female title in 37:57, with Kirsten Bevill (38:33) and Irina Smith (47:31) rounding out the top three. In the 40-49 age group, overall winner Josh Stoltzfus led the men (20:47), followed by Chris Waggoner (23:59) and David Baldridge (27:18), while Amanda Wiggs took first for the females in 28:00.
Jeff Lambert won the 50-59 male division with a time of 34:14. Overall female winner Lisa Cooper led the 50-59 women (24:02), finishing ahead of Jennifer Robertson (34:13) and Jennifer Curl (42:48). In the 60-69 divisions, Karl Hester took first for the men in 36:44, and Melinda Ray won the female side in 24:42, followed by Sandy Cooper in 35:24.
