Maggie Opelt was the women's winner for the third consecutive year in the 65 Roses 5k road race in Cleveland, but the other former Lee University runner who won the last two years, Caleb Morgan, is now the Lee cross country and track coach and did not try to add to his three wins in the event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Isaac Pacheco, an 18-year-old known for his running exploits for North Murray High School, pulled away from a five-pack of leaders and won in 16 minutes, 15 seconds. Paul Patterson, 17, from Bradley Central was second in 16:36, followed closely by 35-year-old Alan Outlaw in 16:37 and 47-year-old Dean Thompson in 16:44 with 21-year-old Joseph Crook fifth at 16:59.
"It was a great race where youth won out at the end," race director Bill Estes said.
Opelt, 23, was 14th overall in 18:45. The second female was Rachel Mason, 23rd overall in 19:32.
The event had raised $76,000 as of noon Saturday, according to Estes, but more is expected during the next several days as pledges are collected.
"In our Community Shield race, the Cleveland Fire Department beat the Cleveland Police Department by less than one minute in total time," Estes said of the competition counting the top three finishers for each group. "And this run has so many kids in it. Girls On The Run had a large turnout, as did Arnold Elementary."