Palos Half One Fast Race

The Palos Bank Southwest Half-Marathon on Sunday produced plenty of great running. The fast course and fast runners made for some super-fast times. Congrats to all 1,098 who did this excellent event. Leading the pack was Japeth No Joy, a 22-year-old Kenyan, I believe, who is based in El Paso, TX. He ran 1:05:14, to beat fellow Kenyan Daniel Mbogo, 32 and living in Albuquerque, NM, who posted a 1:05:46. Jeff Jonaitis , 25, of Tinley Park did himself proud with his second third-place finish in two years, clocking 1:06:09. Next were Chad Ware, 24, of Deerfield, in 1:09:32 and Ryan Giuliano, 24, of Schaumburg, in 1:10:26. The women were led by Alona Bonai, 25, of Oak Park, who ran a 1:22:51. Local favorite Meg Sullivan, 29, of Palos Heights, was second in 1:24:09; Tina Chase, 38, of Granger, IN, was third in 1:25:02; Kim Castner, 45, of Naperville, was fourth in 1:25:08 and Amber Druien, 23, of Woodstock, was fifth in 1:25:20. The race timing was handled by Accu Split Timing Co. out of Bettendorf, IA. They also will time the Community Bank of Elmhurst 4 on the 4th. Give me any feedback you might have. And again, congrats to all who ran, organized (Mel Diab and company at Running for Kicks) and volunteered for this event.