North Boroughs YMCA 5K Run/Fun Walk

The throngs of contestants gathered in the early morning hours on July 17, 2010 to compete in the 3rd annual North Boroughs YMCA 5K Run/Fun Walk. Organizer Brandon Gillingham was on site very early to check the route and facilitate the Miles of Smiles timing services and to  meet with the volunteers assembled to assist with registration.

Sponsors of the event set-up booths on the front patio of the YMCA for the walk which was scheduled to start at 8am, and the road race which followed at 8:15am.  Although the walkers, who supported the event which benefited the Northgate Cross Country team and the North Boroughs Strong Communities Campaign were not timed, more than 100 registered in advance and on the day of the race and completed the entire course.

A total of 222 chose to run the race and the top three in each of the age categories were awarded medals.  Greg Byrkes at age 26 was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 16:30.20, followed by Nate Alter, age 18 at 17.11.70 and Hans Rottmann, age 42 at 17.15.30 for the men's category.  Abby Hewitt, age 19 with a time of 18:46.10 was the top finisher in the women's division followed by Bridgit Walters, age 17 in 2nd place and Kristine Udvari, age 35 who placed 3rd in the event.

Councilman Dave Gillingham, tag #371 was the 198th to complete the race and then demonstrated his good sportsmanship in the Dunking Tank on the final day of the annual NSCoC sidewalk sales. The weather was a steaming 88 degree day and we expect he most certainly enjoyed the frequent dunkings after his 34:52.80 race.

Thanks to all who participated in the event including Tim Gillingham who rode his bicycle in advance of the registered participants and a very special thanks to the Bellevue Police Department for their support of the event in posting signs and monitoring road closures and in particular Officer Hudson, the bicycle patrolman, for his participation accompanying the final finisher, Toni Farah, age 77, to the end of the race having a time of 57:50 as the final contestant to cross the finish line.

We look forward to seeing all of you and then some, in 2011 as this event gathers momentum for healthy living in the North Boroughs!  Be certain to view the Enjoy Bellevue photo array and feel free to send us your photos to include in the album.  We love to feature contributors' recordings of local area events!