Running the Brickyard 5 mile is tradition for many of the runners who came out to run the race this Fourth of July morning. The race, and especially the trademark Brick Awards, are always a crowd pleaser. Race Director Dale Polomchak enlightened me a little bit on the history of the race with a few interesting factoids. For example the Brickyard was not always hosted by the YMCA. They have been running the Brickyard for the past six years. Prior to that, the race was run by the Red Cross and the Chamber. Another interesting tidbit is the fact that it has also started and finished at Trinity Lutheran for a couple of years. Long ago it was ran in the evening with the runners finishing in the Brickie Bowl, prior to the Fireworks. It is a Fourth of July tradition that promotes health and community, and it was yet again a smashing success.
This is the 34th also offers a 5K. “Adding the 5K has increased our participation by about 100-150. Today we have about 450 to 500, and runners are still signing up today. The Brickyard is an event that helps promote the Y’s philosophy of Health, Fitness and Family. We have about 50 volunteers coming out early on the Holiday to help make this race possible.”
In the 5 Mile, the overall winners were : Lindsay Hattendorf in the female category (29.42.0) and Josh May (26.09) first male.
The 5K winners were: Melissa Blakenbaker first female (28.25.4) and Dayton Blakenbaker first male (17.51.5).
Overall female winner Lindsay Hattendorf has run the Brickyard as a tradition for several years.
“This year I was able to defend my 1st place finish!” she stated.