Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

LOWER NUMBERS FOR FARMERS DAY FUN RUN

In this crazy year of the COVID-19 Pandemic, as might be expected, the number of Runners for the annual Farmer's Day Fun Run were way down, according to the organizer Tiffany Johnson. There were only 53 runners who participated this year and only 1 runner who went the 5 mile distance. That hardy soul was Steve Knigge who runs events all over the United States. Steve's time in the 5 mile run was 40 minutes and 5 seconds, and although his exact age was not listed, he runs in the 60 and over age group.

The winner of the 2 mile race was Patrick Mars who also won the 13-19 age group with his winning time of 13:38. The younger Runners took the top places as Braxton Miller ran 2nd in 13:41 and won the 10-12 age group.  Joe Burris in 13-19 age group was 3rd in 14:39.

Interesting to note that Trajan Johnson in the 8-9 group ran 6th out of the field of 52 runners and clocked 15:43. I got to talk to a beautiful little bitty girl who was only 4 years old who finished 28th with her time of 26:20! Yes, 4 years old and running two miles! She finished just ahead of her mom, Kaitlin (Moritz) Knaub,  a former outstanding track athlete for Kimball High who ran 26:22 and ran in the 20-29 age group. I also complimented my good friend Lupe Rodriguez who I am sure was the oldest entry at age 87 and who finished 38th, but 1st in his age group with a time of 32:08. By the way, Colbie Knaub was 2nd in the 7 and under women's division. Brynlee Culek won this age group for the girls running 25th in 25:21.

Congrats to all of you brave runners who came out to battle the smoke and ash from the Wyoming forest fires, and thanks to Tiffany Johnson and her helpers for making sure the race would go on despite the COVID-19.