The Father's Day 5k Race Recap
By Anna Petr
The Father’s Day 5k has yet to disappoint, but how could it? With families enjoying a sunny 5k jaunt and root beer floats at the finish line, it’s a recipe for a fun day.
The sun rose on a beautiful Father’s Day morning as participants gathered at the starting line for the much-anticipated Father’s Day 5k hosted by Green Events. Runners of all ages and abilities eagerly took their places, ready to celebrate and honor fathers everywhere with a joyous race experience.
As the starting horn sounded, a surge of energy propelled the runners forward, their footsteps filling the air with determination and excitement. Families ran hand-in-hand, fathers and children side by side, their smiles beaming with shared happiness. The air buzzed with camaraderie and encouragement as runners cheered each other on, forging new friendships along the way. Volunteers stationed along the route offered refreshing water and encouragement, fueling the runners’ spirits as they tackled the course.
But the Father’s Day 5k was about more than just the race. It was a celebration of family, love, and the special bond between fathers and their children. Green Events created an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that participants of all ages and abilities could join in the festivities. Children joyfully joined the Kids’ Fun Run, sprinting with youthful excitement, while fathers and families shared the experience of a fun race day.
Christian Groendyke was the first male finisher in a blazing 16:28. Not only has Christian run this race with his family for the past three years, but this year was extra special before his family will send him off to college at the end of the summer. Christian will be going to Princeton University next year and will continue to compete in track and cross country.
Sophie Seward the first female finisher, had a speedy time of 18:30. Sophie is especially fond of this race and being able to watch the kids run with their dads. “My dad lives far away from here so I just get to think of him when I’m out here” she said. We can’t wait to see Sophie keep crushing it this summer as she trains for the Olympic Trials in the marathon.
One family stood out to us this Father’s Day 5k, as they were celebrating their 10 year anniversary running this race! Rita Gardener started out running this race with her father when she was 21, and now runs it with her own little ones and their family as a 31-year-old! While the whole family runs the 5k race, stroller and all, the kiddos get to be a part of the fun in the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run. We love that you have made the Father’s Day 5k part of your traditions!
The Father’s Day 5k by Green Events will be remembered as a day of love, fitness, and togetherness. It provided a platform for participants to create lasting memories while honoring the special role fathers play in our lives. This event, like others, demonstrated the Green Events mission to promote active lifestyles, community engagement, and sustainable practices, leaving a positive impact on both participants and the environment.
See full results + overall and age group category winners here 2023 Father’s Day Races
Sponsors:
These events could not happen without the support of sponsors. If you love local running, please make sure to notice the event sponsors and make it a point to shop their stores, use their services, or give them a shout out or thank you. By sponsoring events these businesses are putting people over profits and specifically showing their support of the running community. We are so grateful for their involvement.
Extra shoutouts to CooperSmiths & Walrus Ice Cream for the delicious root beer floats and beer!
Contributing Sponsors
