Seminole Trail Run proves challenging

The inaugural Seminole Trail Run 5K at Sun 'N Lake Preserve area drew a spirited field of 40 participants Saturday morning.

Race organizer Erin McCarta's challenging trail test of wills proved to be lots of fun for the Seminole Booster fund-raiser. Only two runners took a spill on the rough terrain, but no one had a major injury.

Kim Price, of Avon Park, won the race and top female position in a fine time of 24:48 and young 12-year-old Danny Cool, of Avon Park, won top male honors in 26:31.

Paula Jean Lunt claimed the Female Masters title in a strong time of 25:08, while Ron Bednosky claimed the Male Masters title with a time of 29:42. The Female Grand Master award went to Lois Hotchkiss, who finished with a solid time of 34:50, while Carl Cool claimed the Male Grand Master crown with a time of 33:34.

Savannah Oldfield won the 14-and-under age group with a time of 34:44, while Holly Kelsey claimed the 25 to 29 title with a time of 36:52. Maria Fabela was second with a mark of 40:46.

Sarah Smith's time of 36:23 put her first in the 30-34 group, with Megan Bell taking second in 1:04.35. Kelly Griffin took the 35 to 39 group with a time of 28:22, with Lori Ashworth taking second with a mark of 33:07.

Vicki Musselman won the 40 to 44 group with a time of 28:21, while Julia Miller was second with a time of 44:52.

Pam Farr recorded a time of 31:45 to take top honors in the 45 to 49 group, with Susie Whitehead second at 42:21. Martie Brooker captured the 55 to 59 group with a time of 35:18, with Peggy Essex-Klammer taking second in 40:08. Fran Rolston's 59:25 placed her first in the 65 to 69 group.

On the male side, Dane Kelsey Jr recorded a time of 51:38 to win the 14-and-under group, with Zach Farr's 30:13 putting him first in the 15 to 19 group. Raulie Raulerson won the 25 to 29 group with a time of 28:25, while Calvin Crowell was second in 47:14.

The winner of the 30 to 34 group was Carlos Torres in 31:08, with Dane Kelsey taking second in a time of 51:38 and David Bell placing third in 1:04.37. Bryant Musselman won the 35 to 39 group with a time of 27:07 and he was followed by Carlos Torres (41:46) and Randal Ennis (47:16).

Steve Ashworth won the 40 to 44 age group with a time of 29:46, with John Whitehead's time of 34:03 placing him first in the 50 to 54 age group. Steve Farr was second with a time of 34:26.

Dr. Mike McLeod won the 55 to 59 group with a time of 33:35, while Cliff Ables won the 65 to 69 division with a time of 42:00.