200 Race Through the Rain to Raise Money for Owatonna Rotary

More than 200 runners took part in the annual STRIVE Owatonna Rotary Wellness run Saturday, with a number of race-day registrations despite the rainy conditions.

Between the 5K run and 2-mile wellness walk, 216 participants were entered, according to wayzataresults.com, which provided the official timing for the event. The 5K distance for the run was new this year due to a rule change by the Minnesota State High School League that allows cross country runners to compete at that distance in a non-sanctioned event during the season. Previously, the Steele County Free Fair run was a 4-mile course in order to include those high school athletes.

The top male finisher was Shane Streich of Janesville in 15:22, more than two minutes faster than Nick Rethemeier of Owatonna and his 17:39 time. Third was Collin Buck of Owatonna at 18:08. Paul Herzog of Owatonna finished fourth at 18:12 and Braydon Kubat was fifth with 18:16.

The top female time was logged by Emily Hayden of Burnsville at 22:02, three seconds in front of Tara Seykora of Owatonna. Emily Paur of Owatonna finished in 23:29. Sixteen-year-old Jerrin Jax and 12-year-old Bobbie Bruns, both of Blooming Prairie, tied for fourth among female finishers at 23:34.

View the full results here.

Owatonna High School boys cross country coach, and recent inductee into the coaches association hall of fame, Dave Chatelaine fired the starter's pistol to send off the runners. OHS girls cross country coach Dan Leer ran in the race, turning in a time of 23:08.

The morning included 400- and 800-meter runs for youth. The start of the first race was slightly delayed due to a downpour. Once that passed it rained lightly during the entire event. The run raises money for the Owatonna Rotary Club's STRIVE scholarship program for Owatonna High School students.

Personally, I was happy with my run. I finished in 30:08. I felt I got off to a little bit of a quicker start than I am comfortable with and was breathing pretty heavily. I slowed down a bit and was pleased with 10-minute miles. I don't recall running in the event before, but I liked it. I was thankful for no heavy rain during the run. I think I can speak for all the runners and in saying thanks to the residents who stood on their driveways cheering and encouraging us, as well as the volunteers and Owatonna police who were crossing guards at intersections. Also it was comforting to have OHS athletic trainer Terry "TC" Carlyle and his staff on hand.

My daughter and I didn't win the lottery for the Medtronic 10-mile run during the Twin Cities Marathon. I am looking at the Owatonna Spirit 10K or 5K as an alternative on October 9.