Bauer gallops to Gator 5K win

On a day more fitting for ducks than humans, 62 spirited runners competed in Saturday morning's inaugural Gator Gallop 5K and one-mile Fun Run at Highlands Hammock State Park.

The event, which was run in a steady downpour, raised more than $6,000 for scholarships for local students who will attend the University of Florida.

"We thank everyone who came out to participate in the 5K and one-mile run," said Highlands County Gator Club president Elizabeth Lenihan. "We especially want to thank the many sponsors of our event."

Sebring High School senior cross country standout Connor Bauer braved the wet and rainy conditions to win the race in a time of 17 minutes, 5 seconds, while Blue Streaks athlete Taylor Tubbs was the first female finisher with a time of 23:20.

"I couldn't find my racing shoes, so I came out in my heavy trainers, which are soaked now," said Bauer. "They got heavier as the race went on and my legs definitely got a workout.

"I like to support all the local 5K races and it's always fun to compete against all the local runners."

Male Master (ages 40-59) winner was Jerry Whidden in a time of 21:32, while the Female Master winner was Vivian Cook with a 26:41.

John Schwarze finished first in the Male Grand Master (ages 60+) with a time of 25:38 and the Female Master winner was Lois Hotchkiss with a time of 30:32.

Despite the early-morning deluge, Gator Gallop 5K race coordinator Chet Brojek was pleased with the turnout and the support from the community.

"Everyone that participated and supported the Gator Gallop 5K is to be congratulated," said Brojek. "This is the first year for the event and to raise more than $6,000 is wonderful.

"We really appreciate all the runners coming out on such a rainy morning, but it's for a great cause with all the money going to local students who will attend the University of Florida. I didn't go to Florida, but I'm an adopted Gator and like to be able to support a great university in any way I can."

Nicholas Bazzel won the 14-and-under age group with a time of 30:57, while Logan Herndon placed second in 34:13 and Keegan White finished third with a 35:16.

Evan Wilburn won the 15-19 age group with a time of 20:24, while Carl Dassinger came in second place in 23:18 and Jacob Cook claimed third with a 24:06.

Jonathan Joles finished first in the men's 20-24 age group, while Tim Topa won the men's 25-29 division with a time of 17:42 and Richard Bozeman finished first in the men's 35-39 age group with a time of 42:40.

Katie Sexaver finished first in the women's 20-24 division with a time of 30:52, Stephanie Burnsed won the women's 25-29 age group with a 24:59, while Katie Haviland placed second in 33:52 and Tiffany Hope claimed third place with a 33:53.

Becky Mendes finished first in the women's 30-34 division with a time of 26:34, while Jill Tyson came in second in 31:06, Allysun Collar came in third in 31:14 and Stephanie White finished fourth with a 35:10.

Denise Hines won the women's 35-39 age group with a time of 31:05, while Tara Hughes placed second in 31:12.

Laura Barben finished first in the women's 40-44 division with a time of 26:42, while Kathie Maloyed placed second in 26:48 and Yoly Barbia came in third with a 32:08.

Ethan Hughes, Cyndi Dassinger, Craig Dassinger, Eric Lenihan, Holly Brannon, Mike Martino and Nichole Barben participated in the one-mile Fun Run.

The next 5K event in the Heartland is the Santa Paws Holiday 5K run and 1-mile Pet Walk and Parade, which will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at Highlands Hammock State Park.

All proceeds go to benefit the Humane Society of Highlands County.