Amid fireworks echoing through Jones Valley and nippy temperatures, 150 runners completed the inaugural Run Into 2025 5K to ring in the new year Tuesday night.
Tuesday night? Wednesday morning? Yes, to both, as the field of hearty runners took off from Fleet Feet at 11:59 p.m. The boom of a big aerial firework officially started the race. Runners began the first of three loops around the Valley Bend shopping center parking lot. A brisk northwest wind, ushering in this weekend’s OMG frigid temps, helped carry the booms of aerial fireworks from the city into the valley.
With hot Marco’s pizza, tasty pancakes, libations and swag waiting at the finish, runners hailed it as an instant classic. The last run of 2024? The first of 2025? Yes, to both, with the field of speedsters to walkers, along with a few four-legged pups as well, enjoying the fun. Malia Gill, winner of the women’s title in the Recover From the Holidays 50K earlier in the day, was on hand as a course volunteer and awesome encouragement.
Jeremie Bokata, 22, who competed in track at Western Illinois University, claimed top honors with a time of 18:55. Karsten Bailey, 18, was second in 19:54, and Jude Salamone, 14, was third in 22:06.
Erin DuBose, 32, won the women’s division and was sixth overall. She finished in 23 minutes. Holli Salamone, 39, was second (10th) in 23:50, and Kortney Kuhl, 30, was third (12th) in 24:11.
Each winner received a bottle of Champagne, courtesy of Tennessee Valley Outsider.
See all of the Run Into 2025 5K results here.
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Runners enjoyed pancakes and Marco’s pizza after the Run Into 2025 5K
