Ware Doesn't Need Luck of the Irish

Chad Ware, 25, of Deerfield, showed some early-season speed on Saturday, easily winning the first annual Fleadh 5K at Midlothian Meadows Forest Preserve in south suburban Oak Forest. Ware won it in 15:01.6, with Archie Bareikis, 23, of Oak Forest, running second in 16:59.2, and Kris Smrekar, 43, of Aurora, grabbing third in 17:39.3. On the women's side, Laura Bestrick, 41, of Orland Park, won in 24:02.3. Jean Powell, 44, of Oak Forest, was second in 24:09.5, and Michelle Wilson, 39, of Chicago, was third in 24:21.7. So you think "Fleadh" was a typo? Remember, St. Patrick's Day is next week. This run was part of the first annual Oak Forest Fleadh, which is pronounced "flah" in Gaelic and means festival. The race was part of a full day of fun and activities.