Jackson Howse and Samantha Menikheim claimed top honors in the Rudolph Run 5K to benefit Blount Hospitality House on Saturday in Huntsville.
Howse, 18, finshed in 16:52 to take top honors. Henry Woodall, 20, of Athens, was second in 17:18 and Michael Kitchen, 19, of Madison, was third in 18:34.
Menikheim, 17, of Huntsville, won the top women’s honor with her time of 20:27. She was eighth overall. Anna Ragsdale, 14, of Huntsville, was second (14th) in 21:17, and Kaitlin Powless, 14, of Madison, was third (26th) in 22:35.
Ray Fanning of Huntsville set the Alabama Age Group 5K record for 84-year-old runners with his time of 29:44. Fanning broke the mark set by Mac McCrady of Brownsboro in 2015 when he posted a 31:24. Fanning also holds the 5K age record for 82-year-olds, set a year ago in the same race.
The event had 587 finishers, about 50 more than in 2022. It is one of the biggest 5K events in Huntsville. It starts near Constitution Villiage, winds through parts of Old Town and downtown, and ends at Constitution Village. Runners enjoy an array of Christmas and holiday decorations, including on some of the oldest historic homes in the city.
Proceeds benefit the Blount Hospitality House, which is a home away from home for patients and/or their families in Huntsville seeking medical care. The organization offers convenient, affordable housing to Huntsville Hospital and other area treatment centers. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Temperatures were a comfortable 50 degrees at the start. Santa Claus was on hand for photos. Many runners were decked out in costumes and festive gear. Huntsville Track Club faciliated the event and Huntsville Police Department provided road security.
For all of the Rudolph Run 5K results, click here.
