winners announced 23rd annual community college run events

“From start to finish, this health and wellness event was about as colorful as it gets. Not only was it great to see families taking part, it was awesome to have so many runners get into the spirit of our 1980s theme,” said Heather McDorman, race co-director and vice president for enrollment and marketing services at the college.  “It's gratifying to see people of all ages and ability levels participate in the run events, as well as have the opportunity to visit booths from a variety of local exhibitors.” 

In the 10K Race, Bradley Bandera, 40, of Augusta, Ga., was first to cross the finish line with a time of 38 minutes, 15 seconds, followed by Victor Halamicek (40:06) and Atila Deak (42:56). Pamela Burgess, 31, of Augusta, Ga., was the first woman to cross the finish line (47:19.5), coming in 8th overall, followed by Eylsia Krieger (47:38) and Melanie Roberts (47:47). Bandera and Burgess, the male and female overall winners, each received a $100 cash prize.

In the top SCC student, alumni and employee 10K categories, the first male SCC student to cross the finish line was Alexander Berich (47:00) and the first female student to finish was Samantha Johnson (51:40). The first male alum to cross the finish line was Cory Gralsie (46:30), and the first female alum was Stacy Daniels (58:09). In the employee division, George Bognar (52:41) was the first male to cross the finish line. The first female employee to finish was Meredith Struebing (58:14).

In the 5K Race, Dan Miner, 30, of St. Charles, Mo., was first to cross the finish line with a time of 18 minutes, 26 seconds, followed by Justin Musgrove (21:10) and Alan Hoyt (21:12). Brooke Brockman, 34, of Wentzville, Mo., was the first female to cross the finish line, coming in 10th overall with a time of 21 minutes, 51 seconds, followed by Elena Huffman (22:28) and Sarah Smith (23:44). Miner and Brockman, the male and female overall winners, each received a $50 cash prize.

In the top SCC student, alumni and employee 5K categories, the first male SCC student to cross the finish line was Joe Luebbert (21:21) and the first female student to finish was Elena Hoffman (22:28). The first male alum to cross the finish line was Zach Grabowski (23:08), and the first female alum was Amanda Morris (29:18). In the employee division, Joe Baumann (22:25) was the first male to cross the finish line. Cassie Akins (28:24) was the first female to cross the finish line.

A list of all winners in the various events at the 23rd Annual 10K Race, 5K Race and Fun Run can be found at stchas.edu/run.

Nearly 150 medals were awarded in age group categories in the 10K, 5K and Fun Run events. About 255 runners registered in the 10K race; the 5K, 394; and the Fun Run, 94.  A total of 743 runners registered for the event.  

All 10K and 5K run registrants, ages 18 and above, were automatically entered into the drawing for a $1,000 scholarship to SCC. The winner is Danielle Cimmarusti, 20, of St. Charles.

The event included a free ‘80s-themed photo booth, free headbands to the first 500 registered in the 5K and 10K, and a neon-colored T-shirts for early registrants. Five Best Costume winners took home prizes including Tucanos gift cards, Green Lantern car washes and a gift certificate for mini-golf at Sports Fusion. In addition, Starbucks gift cards were awarded to the 86^th finisher of the 10K and 5K, Craig Ficken and Cindy Barton, respectively, in honor of 1986, the year the college was voted in existence by St. Charles County residents.

The college's annual That ‘80s Run event also included some 50-exhibitor booths with health and wellness information presented by hospitals, agencies, fitness organizations, businesses and institutions in the area.

Gold sponsors are, Christian Foods/McDonald's, Precision Health Group, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Smoothie King, STLToday.com, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Schultz & Myers, 106.5 The Arch and Pharma Medica Research, Inc. Silver Sponsors are Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital & Progress West HealthCare Center, BenandBeccalee Photographers, Jazzercise, SSM St. Joseph Health Center & Hospital West and SSM St. Joseph Health Center/SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and Bronze Sponsors are Central Methodist University, Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre, European Wax Center, John Gallia, CFP Four Seasons Wealth Management, Jeanne M. Smith, Life Coach, Missouri American Water, Shirt Kong and Sia's Italian Ice.

For 2015 photos and information about next year's event, visit that80srun.org.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.