Erick Kigen and Daisy Hernandez grabbed top honors Saturday morning amid a record field in the 11th annual Free 2 Teach Paper Chase 5K presented by the EZBO Foundation.
Chilly temperatures and sunny skies greeted more than 550 runners, family and friends starting at Constitution Village. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was on hand, as was the Huntsville Fire Department ladder truck to display a huge United States flag. Ainsley’s Angels led the way with a 2-minute head start before the rest of the field took off, led by Kigen and a dozen little waterbug kiddos dashing from the line.
Kigen, 37, of Huntsville took the lead and didn’t relent, motoring through Courthouse Square and leading the field into Old Huntsville. He carried a comfortable 5:42 pace, winning by almost two minutes, in 17:43.
Hernandez, 22, of Elkmont, was 15th overall and claimed the women’s title. She finished in 21:57. Hernandez is no stranger to the podium with her consistent 22-ish minute time for the 5K.
About the Paper Chase 5K
Always a local favorite, the Paper Chase 5K had a record 550 finishers this year. That’s far more than last year’s 438, possibly thanks to the non-frosty weather, and easily more than the 321 in 2024. The race raised more than $50,000 for Free 2 Teach.
The Paper Chase 5K is put on by Free 2 Teach. The organization serves 113 public schoools and more than 20,000 teachers in Madison and Limestone counties year-round with a free supply store for classrooms.
One fun thing about the race is that area schools can register and compete. This attracts a large number of young runners, many of whom finish well. Three pre-teens were amid the top 12 finishers, and a large number of other youngsters dotted the results.
The race was facilitated by Fleet Feet, with timing by Carl Smith.
See all of the Paper Chase 5K results here.
The record field takes off Saturday morning in the Paper Chase 5K. (Photo: TVO/Alan Clemons)
The final countdown before the start of the Paper Chase 5K, which had 550 finishers. (Photo: TVO/Alan Clemons)
