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After a week of much-needed rain and a cold front that brought refreshingly cool temperatures that Hill Country residents haven’t experienced in many months, 33 runners of all ages participated in the first annual LBJ Ranch Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event benefited local education programs sponsored by the Johnson City Community Education Foundation, including teacher grants and higher education scholarships for students. The total amount raised through sponsorships and race fees is still being tallied.

Eight runners participated in the 1K run down the historic LBJ Ranch airstrip including: Bill Voron, Casey Petsch, Morgan Jenschke, Dusti Petsch, Malory Jenschke, Avery Voron, Dalton Voron, and Beverly Voron.

Nineteen runners and two walkers entered the 5K race that followed the winding LBJ Ranch road from the hangar to the show barns to the top of the airstrip and through beautiful pastureland before ending up at the finish line located at the base of the runway. Walter and Lori Hudson — a husband and wife duo — were the overall male and female winners of the 5K event. Seven runners took part in the 10K race that was a double loop around the LBJ Ranch road. Brenda Soto was the overall 10K female winner and Michael Howell was the overall 10K male winner.

Johnson City ISD Superintendent David Shanley presided over the awards ceremony, presenting LBJ Ranch fun run medals to first, second and third place winners and participation ribbons to all other runners.

“We’re pleased that this wonderful group of people came out to support our fundraising efforts,” said Larry Milner, Event Director and President of the Johnson City Community Education Foundation. “We are thankful for the much-needed rain, it may have kept some people away from the event but all the runners said it was ideal race weather. Everyone who participated complimented the event, saying how much he or she enjoyed the beautiful racecourse. One woman said she really liked the serenity of running down the road and enjoying the stunning green vistas of the ranch. A man told me he had never been to LBJ Ranch before and said that seeing it on foot was the best tour of all. Everyone told us they hope we have another fun run event at LBJ Ranch.”

Race Director Kelly Carper Polden added, “We couldn’t have such a great event without the support of our sponsors and the Friends of LBJ National Park, and the help of our many JCCEF board member volunteers. The rangers from the LBJ National Historical Park provided a tremendous amount of support. We give a special round of applause to all the high school students who came out to help with the event. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event special, including the many volunteers who baked dozens of delicious cookies for participants.”

On-site volunteers included Julie Storer, Louise Gravenor, Jim Odiorne, Leandy Pletcher, David Shanley, Joe Stewart, Pam Fielding, Cynthia Keene, Chris Voron, Duane Lokken, Suzanne Milner, and Shirley James. LBJ park rangers included Gus Sanchez, Patrick Pelarski, Jon Brotzman, Travis Roberson, Jay Bullington, Alison Bullington, Alex Shane, and Park Superintendent Russ Whitlock. Student volunteers included Freshmen Brianna Rose, Tara Martinez and Josh Moore, and Seniors Olivia Jones, Megan Marks, Kayla Meier, London McQueen and Dylan Rivera. Off-site volunteers included George Culp, Susan Whittington, Wes Lokken and Mickey Little. Sponsors included: Johnson City Bank, Johnson City Sign Shop, Hill Country Springs, and Kelly Carper Communications.

Race Results

5K Female winners

Age 11-19

1st place #505 Abby Flores 00:27:32

2nd place #513 Rachel Bobo 00:34:45

No 20-29 runners

Age 30-39

1st place #512 Theresa Jenske 00:33:02

2nd place #522 Susan Dumas 00:40:45

Age 40-49

1st place #506 Lori Hudson 00:27:14 — 1st place overall female

2nd place #509 Jennifer Benesh 00:28:18

3rd place #517 Elaine Swiss 00:29:10

Age 50-59

1st place #514 Michelle Bobo 00:34:54

2nd place #501 Darlene Young 00:47:18

Age 60+

1st place #502 Peggy Stewart 00:40:25

5K Male winners

Age 10 and under

1st place #520 Collin Dumas 00:40:42

Age 11-19

1st place #521 Cole Dumas 00:37:04

Age 20-29

1st place #515 Eric Rode 00:27:13

No 30-39 runners

Age 40-49

1st place #507 Walter Hudson 00:22:55 — 1st place overall male

2nd place #5008 Steve Benesh 00:25:50

Age 50-59

1st place #511 Duane Hadley 00:51:16

Age 60+

1st place #516 Bill Swiss 00:29:10

10K female winners

Age 11-19

1st #553 Brenda Soto 00:54:40 — 1st place overall female

10K male winners

Age 11-19

1st place #550 Alfredo Duque 00:46:47

2nd place #556 Lionel Valdez 00:48:06

Age 20-29

1st place #554 Matt Schmidt 00:55:00

No 30-39 runners

Age 40-49

1st place #552 Michael Powell 00:38:35 — 1st place overall male

2nd place #551 Tim Helmstetter 00:49:45

An award of completion was given to 10-year-old #555 Clay Dumas for his dedicated commitment to running a 10K despite making a wrong turn on the course.

Other 5K runners

#510 A’Lann Truelock 00:51:21

#504 Lucrecia Flores — voluntary pull