Blessed by perfect competitive morning weather and large numbers of participants, on Saturday, September 20, 2014, the 27th annual Harvest Hammer event goes into the record book as the best ever. Last year’s impressive total of 550 attendees was far exceeded.
After the races Rotarian Kathy Schmidt stated, “We had a record 553 pre-registered participants. A manual account of [event] day registrations showed a final count of 655 participants–the most ever! We are so appreciative of all the participants for supporting Morrison Rotary through the Harvest Hammer. Monies will be used for student scholarships and many local projects.”
Schmidt also offered appreciation to the following. “Special thanks to our sponsors, Key Club, Lions Club, MIT [Morrison Institute of Technology] students, Morrison Schools teachers and staff, and the Unit District. We wouldn’t be able to put the race on without all their help. Thanks also to local businesses for supporting the refreshments for our athletes: Resthave Retirement & Nursing Home; McDonald’s; Baked By Liz; Hardee’s; Sullivan’s Foods; Hy-Vee.”
Pre-registered entries in the Harvest Hammer Run and Duathlon included 313 females (57%) and 240 males (43%.) Seven states were represented: NE, WA, and WI each had one entrant; CA and MO had two; IA had 47; IL had 499. Of the 77 cities tallied, Morrison clearly led with 280 participants. Race day totals exceeded these.
Three co-workers took home gold and bronze medals in the 5k run. Left-to-right are first place winner of the men’s 50-54 class, Lazaro Sifuentes of Sterling, IL; third place winner of the 60-64 class, Dennis Blevins of Morrison, IL; third place winner of the 20-29 class, Alex Druien of Rock Falls, IL. Sifuentes and Blevins are members of the Rock River Road Runners. Contact Blevins at 815-499-4171 if you have an interest in this local, coed running club.
New this year was a Color Run, held after the Harvest Hammer and Duathlon concluded. It surely added to the event numbers. During pre-registration, 250 people had signed up to run from 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison High School, to Morrison True Value Hardware at S. Genesee Street. Many were entered in other Harvest Hammer runs. The surprise was the additional 125 who signed up on race day.
Paint The Town organizers approached Rotary Club members with the intent to link the twin events. Dr. Bradley Yaklich suggested a “Color Parade,” which became a Color (PTT) Run (HH.) He presented the concept to the Morrison City Council, which granted approval and a permit.
Yaklich said, “Mayor [Everett] Pannier and [Chief of Police] Brian [Melton] were paramount in helping make this happen.”
Furthermore, Dr. Yaklich supported the Color Run by ordering 77 pounds of tinted corn starch and 160 pairs of sunglasses–to keep colored powders out of runners’ eyes. Do the math; 215 did not receive glasses in this popular event. Who knew it would attract so many?
Cheerleaders and Pom Pons doused the runners. Left-to-right in the back row are Coach Amanda Cook, and Cheerleaders Kyla Sibly, and Alison Kuehl; in the front row are Demery Haan, Brook Gallentine, Rachael Spangler, and Ariana Olade.
Left-to-right in the back row are Pons Randi Heusinkveld, Alexandra Welsh, Ashley Hagerman, Alexis Cassiberry, and Maya Zinke; in the front row are Courtney Stearns and Kenzie Severson. The girls created quite an experience–particularly for those watching.
Superintendent of Morrison Community Unit School District #6 Scott Vance and daughter Elizabeth, age 6, were oh-so-pretty after the Color Run! Dr. Yaklich gave a thumb’s up to signal that all participants had completed the color gaunlet and streets could now allow cross traffic.
