Topa wins Jarrett 5k run/walk

The 15th annual Bill Jarrett 5k run/walk at Florida Hospital Heartland continues to grow with each passing year.

Sunday's event attracted more than 270 participants with Tim Topa, who is one of the top runners in the Heartland, winning the overall male title with a time of 16 minutes, 59 seconds over the circuitous 5k route around Florida Hospital.

Topa, who lives in Sebring and recently competed in the prestigious Chicago Marathon, took advantage of the cool, early morning temperature and easily won the male division.

The overall female winner was Sarah Brooker, who completed the demanding 5k in a time of 21:29.

Brooker, who is an outstanding runner, continued her strong year and the fleet-footed athlete has won several local 5k events this year.

Brooker and Topa each took home a check for $200 for their fine efforts.

Dalton Shelton finished first in the boys 11-14 age group with a time of 19:05, while Cedric Menahan placed second with a 23:24 and Jason Cannon came in third at 25:49.

Allie Mann took first in the girls 11-14 age group with a 24:17, Nisha Patel placed second in 35:01 and Kiana Vassell finished third with a 38:17.

Eliezer Rada finished first in the men's 70-74 age group with a 45:56, while John McClogan came in second with a 44:34.

W.H. Harward finished first in the men's 80 and up division with a 52:31, while Jerry Jerfos, who is 94, placed second with a 1:12.03.

Audrey Smith won the women's 70-74 age group with a time of 39:34, while Ampy Vicente came in second at 43:51 and Charlotte Cooper finished third in 1:00.06.