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Morton runs to victory

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Runners break from the start line during Saturday's Firecracker 5k run/walk at Highlands Hammock State Park. The 15th annual event attracted more than 230 participants and the proceeds go to the Avon Park High School boys and girls cross country teams.

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By MARK PINSON

Highlands Today

Published: July 6, 2009

Updated:

SEBRING - Nothing like getting up early and celebrating your country's birthday with a brisk run through scenic Highlands Hammock State Park.

That's what more than 230 people did in the 15th annual Firecracker 5k run/walk on Saturday morning.

The large turnout and outstanding support for the event, which benefits the Avon Park High School boys and girls cross country teams, put a smile on race director Chet Brojek's face.

"I'm so happy and amazed at the support this event receives from the community," said Brojek, who was the athletic director at Avon Park High for more than 20 years. "It's great to celebrate our country's birthday because we are so fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world.

"We grumble about taxes and our economy and sometimes we forget how much opportunity our country provides for people if you work hard."

Talented runner Doug Morton won the 5k event that was run through the mist of the early morning with a time of 16 minutes, 43 seconds, while Tim Topa placed second with a time of 17:23 and Eddie NeSmith, who competes in the male master division (40-59), was the third-place finisher in a time of 18:06.

Michelle LaPointe won the overall female championship with a time of 22:19, while Heidi Crutchfield placed second in 22:27 and Laura Griffin finished third with a time of 23:36.

Out of the many participants, four of the competitors, who are part of the Central Florida Striders running club, have qualified for the Boston Marathon.

"I'm really excited about having some of our members qualify for such a prestigious running event as the Boston Marathon," said Brojek. "It just shows what determination and hard work will do if you dedicate and apply yourself."

The proceeds from the Firecracker 5k go to benefit the Red Devils' cross country program, which is near and dear to Brojek's heart.

"We've got a couple of new coaches in Don Hickman and Pakitta Jones who will coach the boys and girls this year," said Brojek. "We didn't have a cross country program last year, but we're looking forward to a lot of kids coming out and I'm going to help out and assist any way I can.

"We're excited about the fall and I told kids in the past that ran for me, if you work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be a champion."

Jessie King won the male 14-under age group with a time of 34:12, while Allen Mendes placed second at 36:59 and Gare Moore finished third with a 41:52.

In the female 14-under age group, Kaley Walton won in a time of 31:12, while Dianna Salinas came in second at 31:31 and Katie Carol finished third with a time of 33:22.

Sam Starrett won the male 70-74 age group in a time of 26:48, while Herman Lofton claimed second in 27:25 and Harold Smith finished third in 27:57.

In the female 70-74 age group, Audrey Smith won in a time of 43:19, while Jan Coyle placed second in 43:26 and Irene Arthur finished third in 56:28.

"Celebrating our country's birthday is important," said Brojek. "Doing that and helping a high school sports program is a great way of giving back to our community.

"I can't thank the people in the community and the sponsors of this event enough, because without all of them, it wouldn't be the great success it is."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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