ABOVE: From left: Penn Sagedahl (163), Will Saari (127), Andrew Moeller (133), Hannah Neusch (second from right) and Laura Thompson (137) battle during the early stages of the 2-mile run during the Fairmont Community Education and Recreation’s Summer Run on Bob Bonk Track at the Fairmont High School campus. Sentinel file photo from 2022.

FAIRMONT — The annual Fairmont Summer Run is upon us once more.

Entering its 46th consecutive year, this outing consistently provides fun and family-friendly races to athletes of all age groups and abilities.

“The purpose is to have an opportunity for those who are interested in running and are seeking those fun race opportunities,” said Community-Education-Recreation (CER) Director Stephanie Busiahn. “One of the things I appreciate about this race is that it has such a deep and rich history.”

On Saturday, July 26, four races will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. The order of events consists of the five-mile run, two-mile run/walk, ¼ mile run/walk and ½ mile run/walk. Times for the ladder three races start at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:05 a.m., respectively.

Each race has different age groups and restrictions, with the two longer distances being for the older population.

Participants will start and end each race at the Bob Bonk track located at the Fairmont High School campus.

Following each race, runners who finished top two in each age group and gender will receive recognition. This will be either a plaque, medal, or ribbon, depending on the race that is competed in.

Helping the Fairmont CER organize this event is the Fairmont Area Runner organization.

The CER’s main goal is to organize the event. Taking care of event registration, ordering apparel, and providing food and water to participants are just a handful of responsibilities that go into the preparation.

On the other hand, the Fairmont Area Runners are tasked with handling race-day logistics, including plotting the race and timing all athletes.

The summer run has become a staple for family participation since its inception in 1979. Generations of families partake in the event festivities, showing the direct impact these races have on all attendees, no matter the age group.

“It’s become a family tradition,” said Busiahn. “We have had a lot of families who run the race every year. Those families grow as time goes on. We have grandparents, parents, kids, and grandkids all participating in this event and running together. That’s always fun to watch.”

Pre-registration for this event closes at noon on Friday, July 25. Same-day applications will take place at the race site starting at 7:30 a.m., closing 10 minutes before each race.

Records

Quarter mile run (since 2013)

In the seven or younger group, Henry Hartung (1:25) holds the record over Addison Toothaker (1:34).

For ages eight and nine, Carter Hanson (1:20) edges Allie Engebretson (1:26) by only a handful of seconds.

Half-mile run (since 2013)

At ages 11 or younger, Carter Simmering (2:58) holds the boys’ record while Kennedy Becker (3:11) leads all girls.

For participants between 12 and 13, Kolton Larson (2:32) leads the pack with Addison Toothaker (3:00) not too far behind.

Two-mile run (since 2013)

For participants 15 years and younger, Andrew Moeller (10:56) flexes the best time, and Morgan Larson’s (12:51) time tops all females.

In ages 16 through 19, Penn Sagedahl (10:19) leads the pack with Laura Thompson (12:12) just behind.

Between the ages of 20-29, Penn Sagedahl (9:58) again leads all runners. Setting the record for the girls is Hannah Neusch (12:49), respectively.

For athletes between the ages of 30-39, Isaiah Peters (11:25) leads all men. Jennifer Feely Bromeland (12:02) takes the top spot for the women.

Joal Sagedahl (11:41) is the top time holder for men between the ages of 40 and 49. For the women, Jennifer Feely Bromeland (13:26) leads the pack again.

Brian Craig (12:49) claims the sole leader position for men ages 50 through 59. Holly Neusch (13:57) leads the women, respectively.

In the 60 through 69 age group, Stew Murfield (13:29) charts the top for men. Harriet Lunz (18:31) still holds on to the best time for women.

Finally, Sherwood Sagedahl (14:25) is the only runner to place for people over the age of 70.

Five-mile run (since 1998)

Record holders for ages 18 and under include Lukas Pierson (27:04) and Laura Thompson (31:55).

For ages 19-25, Dan Ristau (25:24) takes the top spot for the men, while Jennifer Feely (30:39) leads the women.

In the ages of 26-32, Todd Landgraff (25:50) and Lana Wegner (32:06) are the respective leaders for male and female.

The leaders for participants in the age group of 33-39 are Mike Henze (29:23) and Jennifer Bromeland (32:36).

Participants Keith Abels (30:23) and Stannetta Svoboda (34:13) still find themselves in the record book for ages 40 through 46.

Joel Dudgeon (30:49) and Stannetta Svoboda (34:58) are on top of the leaderboard for participants in the 47-53 age group.

In the age group of 54 through 60, Mark Determan (32:30) and Stannetta Svoboda (37:34) are the top times, respectively.

Craig Mueller (34:44) and Margot Madsen (54:43) lead all participants between the ages of 61 and 69.

For athletes over the age of 70, Sherwood Sagedahl (39:27) and Margot Madsen (54:10) are the respective leaders.