2011 Is Off and Running!

Thye 26th annual New Year's Day 5K served up some brisk weather and good running, especially when you consider the overall conditions. Congrats to the 695 official finishers in the true 2011 opener for running in Chicago. As for the top three men and women, they did a great job. Overall winner was Justin Henry, 27, of Gunnison, CO, who clocked a nice 16:51. Runner-up honors went to Michael Eaton, 30, of Zion, in 16:59, and third place went to Brandon Clark, 16, of Chanhassen, MN, in 17:27. Women's champ was Columba Montes, 31, of Chicago in 18:27. Second place was taken by Tammy Lifka, 40, of Glen Ellyn, in 19:18, and Alyssa Hunt, 27, of Chicago, took third in 19:37. At the moment, the snow is gone and running conditions are good around Chicago. As a runner and cross-country skier, I have mixed emotions! See you on the roads and trails.