GRANT, Ala. — Daniel Leonard and Elizabeth Whitaker captured top honors Saturday morning in the 5th annual Dan Robinson Memorial 10K at Grant Town Park.
Forty-two runners got the starting command, 11 in the 10K and 31 in the 5K, at the Kidtopia Park. The runs are hosted by the Grant Playground and Recreation Association. The runs are held in memory of the late Dan Robinson, who was instrumental in the formation of the assocation and Kidtopia playground. Proceeds from the runs benefit the Kidtopia playground.
Leonard, 40, of Grant, won the 10K by more than eight minutes, finishing in in 47:44. Don Hillis, 67, of New Market, was second in 56:02.
Whitaker, 48, of Scottsboro, was third overall and claimed the women’s title. She finished in 56:18. She, Hillis and Leonard were the only three to finish within an hour.
Leah Passmore, 47, of Grant, was second (4th overall) in 1:01 and Dena NeSmith, 44, of Decatur was third (5th) in 1:02.
Jaxon Smith, 18, of Decatur, was third in the men’s division and seventh overall in 1:08.
See all of the 10K results here.
Dan Robinson Memorial 5K
Greg Morgan, 63, of Rainsville, claimed the 5K win in a fine time of 23:09.
Tia Larsen-Calcano, 26, of Madison, finished in 24:14 for second place and the women’s title. Maria Copeland, 45, of Grant, was third in 25:56.
See all of the 5K results here.
The 5K field split off from the 10K runners at about 1.5 miles, looping back through the quiet neighborhood streets to the finish line. The 10K runners made a couple of lollypop loops, including to DAR School. They got a brief but great scenic view from atop the mountain on the way to the turnaround at the school.
Runners began under cloudy skies with comfortable temperatures. Things warmed as the sun popped out about 8:30 a.m. or so. The lovely course had a few gentle inclines and several, “Oh, that was a bit bigger than it looked” hills. Nothing unrunnable, though, and a fine route. It was certified by Running Lane, which also handled chip timing at the finish line.
Sheri Swader of Guntersville won the “May the Forth” costume contest, with a solid look of Princess Leia.
If you’re looking for a fun 10K then put this one on your 2025 spring calendar reminder. It’s for a good cause and is a superb warmup for the Cotton Row runs. Don’t sleep on this race next year.
