When you think of County Line Orchard in Hobart you typically don’t think of running races -- you think of apples and their delicious donuts -- but it proved to be the perfect place for the Calumet Region Striders to host their annual 10 mile run. This year, the race expanded to include a 1 mile youth cross country race and an apple dash.
On this very windy day, runners came out of the Orchard for a long 7 mile journey on the roads and returning to finish off the last 3 miles weaving through the Apple Orchard itself.
“The Junior Striders sponsor this race as their only fundraiser to raise money for their youth programs and scholarships. The proceeds from the race help to cover youth program needs such as track equipment, facility rentals, coaching certifications, CPR classes, insurance and more,” stated Sue B. Nickerson, Race Director and Youth Coach with the Calumet Region Striders. Proceeds are split between the needs of the youth program expenses and the scholarship fund.
The 2014 Apple Orchard 10 was unique in that there were several younger kids running this year. The Apple Orchard Youth Cross Country Mile and the Apple Dash, designed for the up-and-coming runners age 6 and under, provided younger runners a chance to participate in races of shorter distances that many other races don’t offer. Many of the families came out and volunteered at this race to help support the program.
There were over 75 families and 125 volunteers throughout the course manning water stations, directing runners, registering and helping out any way they can.
The Apple Orchard 10 also boasts unique awards as well. Each Apple Dash and Cross Country Mile finisher received a dog tag medal. There was a finisher medal for those who completed the 10 mile, in addition to awards for traditional age groups.
Post-race refreshments were provided as usual, but not many races can boast the delicious County Line Orchard donuts available to participants. Each runner was able to turn in their race bib to partake in the delicious plate of goodies all fresh and waiting for them.
Beth Boyer, Youth Program Chair, announced that the Jim Cox Memorial Scholarship winners for 2014 were Alek Seeley from Hobart and Elena Lancioni from La Porte. Alek was present to thank the Striders for recognizing his volunteering efforts and Strider participation; however Elena was unable to attend.
Overall Open Winners today were Leo Frey and Karen Nagle. Chrys Davis and Jeff Cromer were the Male Master Winners. Grand Master winners were Dave Ahner and Betty Funkhouser.
Check out the Calumet Region Striders web page for programs of all ages.