Morgan Hill race attracts runners of all ages; San Jose’s
Siqueiros takes first overall at 15:12.30
By Angie Young Special to the Free Lance
Morgan Hill – On Morgan Hill’s centennial year, hundreds of athletes trekked to P.A. Walsh Elementary School on Main Street to register or pick up their race packets before the start of the Freedom 5K Run and the Kevin Kemp One-Mile Children’s Run.
The balmy weather didn’t deter anyone from showing up and celebrating the country’s birthday as runners and walkers from the South Valley and as far away as Southern California migrate to this race annually.
The 5K race attracted the fastest runners every year and this time was no different. Carlos Siqueiros, 25, of San Jose won the overall race with a time 15:12:30.
The veteran racer tackled the sport at the tender age of five, but didn’t compete until he turned seven.
“The running aspect (of the race) went well. I’m not much for the limelight,” Siqueiros said as he shunned the idea of being in the parade. “I’ve done this race two times before. The course was a little different, strange. It’s interesting every year … we’ll see what it’s is next year.”
Siqueiros has his eyes on the upcoming 2008 United States Olympic Trials for either the 10K or marathon distance.
“You’ll never do well in long distance unless you love it,” he said.
Lance Wolfsmith of Morgan Hill, who starred on the Sobrato High track team, sprinted behind Siqueiros to finish second with a time of 15:36. Ryan Reed grabbed third place overall with his time of 15:49.
The women’s top three winners were Michele Gerber, 19, who finished in in a time of 16:18. S. Hu, 42, followed with her mark of 19:07 and Morgan Hill’s Irene Ramirez, 35, flew past the finish line in 20:15.
“I felt very good. This is my first time running in a race. I’m excited and I’ll be doing more,” said Ramirez, who said she normally trains alone, logging five to six mile runs four times per week.
The Kevin Kemp One-Mile Children’s Run started at the same time as the 5K with youngsters of all ages bolting from the start with their tiny legs pumping fiercely like pistons as they tackled the challenge of beating their schoolmates, friends or family members in the short distance event.
“This race is a little bit different from last year,” Andrew Wilcox, 10, of Morgan Hill said. Instead of going straight, (the course) curved. I liked it because it wasn’t long. At the end of the race, I felt like I was going to die.”
Wilcox zipped past most of his competitors with an impressive time 7:30. He likes running other local races such as Wildflower, the Reek Run and Mushroom Mardi Gras.
Many came decked out in clever red, white and blue attire or in more elaborate outfits. Awards were given to the adult and child with the best patriotic duds.
Carol Kemnitz, 59, traveled from Palmdale to compete in this race. Her birthday cake garb delighted the judges and kids alike. Kemnitz ran this race five times before with a photo of her son festooned on the front of her patriotic outfit.
“My son Rob is stationed in Afghanistan this year. Last year he was in Iraq,” Kemnitz said.
The other costume winner was John Boursier, 9, of Morgan Hill. He dressed as Uncle Sam and held a picture frame up to his face, depicting the theme of this year’s race “A Portrait of America.” As custom, the top winners, including the costumed participants got to ride in the historical parade.
For a complete list of finishing times please contact Charles Westin, Race Director, at 408-779-6686 or e-mail him at [email protected].
