Scootin' for Jim

They ran hard and fast on Thursday night at the Jim Gibbons Memorial 5K, honoring the former Channel 7 newsman. The men were led in by Brent Alexander, 27, who won in a very strong 15:13, edging Ryan Giuliano, 23, who ran 15:14. Emisael Favela, 31, was third in 15:20. I couldn't help but notice the next name. Jim Akita of Elmhurst, grabbed fourth in 15:50. He'll be trying to regain his title July 4 in the 4 on the 4th. On the women's side, Jukotade Agunloye, 28, won in a snappy 17:46, with Jessica Thomas, 27, second in 18:38, and Karen Prisby, 23, third in 18:42. So who is Jukotade Agunloye? So far, all I know is she tore up the track at Swarthmore College in 2001, earning All-America honors in the distance events. A special cheer for ABC 7's own John Garcia, who ran 20:54, good for third in the M40-44 group, and good friend Paul Oppenheim, who churned to a 25:21, second in the M60-64 category. I've never done the Gibbons run. It draws a great field for a great cause. Bravo!