Record turnout for Byron Days Fun Run

Record turnout for Byron Days Fun Run

BY STORMY JAMESON

Fifty participants ran toward the Sand Hills north of Byron, then returned to Jones Park during Saturday morning’s annual Byron Days Fun Run.

The event is organized by Brandon and Serena Hessenthaler and features both a mile and five-kilometer race.

The top finisher in the 5K was Daniel Merritt with a time of 21 minutes flat, while Isaac Sanders came in second at 21:37 and Merritt’s father Ladell Merritt was third, finishing at 22:54.

Amanda Clark was the top female runner (third overall) in a time of 21:52. Kandace Asay ran 22:09, Andrea Birch 24:46 as the second and third female 5K competitors.

Hadlie Nicholls won the mile in a time of 7:56 for the female division, followed by Emersyn and Sheridan Wilmes, who tied at 8:55. Eddie Whiting was the top male finisher in the mile with a time of 7:16.

“It was the best Byron Days Fun Run yet,” Serena Hessenthaler said. “This is the most runners we have had since Brandon and I have been organizing it.”

She said everyone who showed up early that morning put all their strength and effort into the race and thanked Club Dauntless for sponsoring the event.

“These races aren’t easy, and I was so impressed with each runner,” she added. “It was fun cheering them through the finish line, and we were happy to see each and every one of them finish strong.”