Sebring Hall of Fame 5k a huge success

The 58th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring endurance race isn't until Saturday, but the historic track had plenty of action in the inaugural Sebring Hall of Fame 5k race this past Saturday.

The first-time event attracted more than 165 participants, who ran on part of the famed Sebring International Raceway during the 3.1-mile race.

The overall male winner was Sebring High School senior Connor Bauer, who finished with a time of 16 minutes, 33 seconds, despite running against a strong wind along the back straightaway.

"I liked the fact that we were able to actually run on the race track," said Bauer. "It was a pretty cool course and something different than the 5k events at Highlands Hammock State Park.

"Running against the wind made it tough and I had to change my running form to keep up my pace."

The overall female winner was Sebring High freshman Taylor Tubbs with a time of 21:33.

Tubbs had a sensational season as a cross country standout for the Blue Streaks.

"I liked running on the track," said Tubbs. "I liked running on the back straightaway, but that's where the wind was blowing the hardest.

"It was really cool to look around and see the different sights at different points of the track and I had to stay focused and concentrate on finishing strong."

Mike Martino was male master's winner with a sizzling time of 20:52, while Evelyn Perez finished first in the female master's division with a time of 25:16.

The inaugural 5k event, which was a fundraiser for the Sebring Hall of Fame, was such a great success that plans are already being put into motion to make next year's event bigger and better.

"It was a great to see so many people come out and support this event," said Sebring Hall of Fame chairman John Barben. "It was a beautiful day with great weather and everyone seemed to really enjoy getting to actually run on Sebring International Raceway."

This year's 5k started between Turn 1 and Turn 2 and the runners completed the race at the famed Sebring International Raceway checkered finish line.

"Next year we're going to start and complete the event at the finish line here at the Raceway," Barmen said. "We'll have the winners get up on the podium just like the winning drivers from the 12 Hours race and we're going to put their names on plaques.

"The proceeds go to the Sebring Hall of Fame, which includes the new Gallery of Legends building, and the Hall of Fame inductions every two years."

This year's Sebring Hall of Fame inductions, which include Hurley Haywood, the late Phil Walters, Derek Daly, John Morton, the late Reginald Smith and tire manufacturer Michelin, will take place at noon on Friday and is open to the public.

Tickets are $200 per person and seating is very limited.

Craig Dassinger finished first in the male 10-under age group with a time of 31:17, while Nicolas Bazzel placed second in 32:13 and Nick Piccione came in third place with a 33:08.

Tom Delaney won the male 70-74 division with a time of 28:57, Harold Smith came in second in 29:55 and Earl Richardson finished third in 30:33.

Tiffany Cadzow finished first in the female 25-29 age group with a time of 24:14, while Krista Fredrikson came in second in 27:16 and Bonnie Revell finished third with a 29:02.

"We can't thank the community and our sponsors enough for their outstanding support," Barben said. "We're looking forward to next year's race and we're aiming to make it an event that a lot of people will want to be a part of."