Event attracts large turnout of people, pets

Tim Topa is a man with a plan.

The 27-year-old Topa, a talented runner who competed in this year's Chicago Marathon, breezed to first overall with a time of 17 minutes, 5 seconds in Saturday's Santa Paws 5K run and 1-mile pet parade at Highlands Hammock State Park.

"I'm preparing for next year's Boston Marathon and I try and get out at least once a week for a speed day," the athletic Topa said. "It was cool and good running weather and I just ran a comfortable race."

The Santa Paws 5K event, which was a fundraiser for the Highlands County Humane Society, attracted more than 65 participants, as well as a large number of pets.

"I really enjoy running in all the local 5K events," said Topa. "It's a great way to end this year's running season and I like to support the Highlands County Humane Society."

Sebring High freshman Taylor Tubbs, who is an outstanding cross country runner for the Blue Streaks, finished first overall in the women's division with a time of 22:55 over the scenic and winding Highlands Hammock State Park 5K course.

"I like running any 5K event because I want to keep lowering my times," said Tubbs. "My time wasn't my best, but it was fun to run and I love dogs and animals.

"We had cross country practice every Saturday for the high school team so coming out and running this morning wasn't that difficult."

The Male Masters (ages 40-59) winner was Ken Bazzel with a time of 20:53, while Female Masters winner was Laura Griffin in 22:55.

The Male Grand Masters (ages 60 and up) winner was Terry Engle in a time of 22:00, while Female Grand Masters winner was Lois Hotchkiss in 28:36.

In the male 10-under age group, Ben Tubbs finished first with a time of 27:23, while Nicholas Piccione placed second in 32:43 and Billy Carol came in third in a time of 33:48.

In the female 10-under age group, Anna Piccione finished first with a time of 41:54.

Sydney Donovan and Katie Carol tied for first place in the female 10-14 age group with a time of 37:33, while Samantha Donovan came in third with a 48:42.

In the Male 15-19 age group, Evan Wilburn, another Blue Streak cross country athlete, finished first with a 19:16, while Micah Olson placed second in 21:56 and Jared Cannon came in third in 21:58.

Kelly Griffin finished first in the Female 35-39 age group with a time of 27:20, while Jen Burnside tied for second with a 28:31 withJulia Nickerson-Troy, who also ran a 28:31.

John Eichstadt finished first in the Male age 60-64 division with a time of 30:39, while Don Applequist placed second with a 32:04 and Charles Leighton came in third place with a 33:11.

All of the proceeds from the popular Santa Paws 5K event went to the Highlands County Humane Society and race timer Chet Brojek was pleased with the turnout.

"This is a fun event for a very worthy organization," Brojek said. "I want to thank everyone that came out today to support this event and all the people that came out for all the other 5K events we've had this year. I look forward to next year and all of the 5K races that we hold in our community."