Hundreds of runners, walkers, strollers show up for Spit Run

Sunshine hadn’t been predicted for Saturday, but it, along with more than 300 participants, were on hand for the 10K to the Bay Spit Run.

For the second year in a row, Jake Moe of Anchorage was the first to complete the course that began at the Homer High School parking lot and ended at the end of the Homer Spit. In 2012, Moe finished in a time of 33:23, but on Saturday he dashed across the finish in 32:40.

The first women to cross the finish line were the trio of Barae Hirsch, Molly Mitchell and Aurora Waclawski. Raising their joined hands into the air, the three, who will be sophomores at Homer High School in the fall, were greeted by loud cheers as they completed the course with a time of 43:30.

“We’ve been running all year and are friends and just really wanted to complete the race together,” said Hirsch. “Running is an individual sport, but it’s not always fun if you do it by yourself. It’s a lot more motivating and fun if you do it with a team.”

Mitchell said the three prepared for the race by sticking to a schedule.

“We run almost every day, anywhere from four to 12 miles,” she said.

Waclawski joined Hirsch and Mitchell at the last minute.

“They were planning on running together and I just happened to be going, so they said, ‘You can come, too.’ It worked out pretty well,” she said.

The friends cooled off after the run with a dip in Kachemak Bay.

“I like to swim after I run so it was just kind of an instinct to go to the nearest water source,” said Mitchell.

For the family and friends of the late John Chapple Jr., Saturday’s event was a day to remember the local running legend. Among the many marathons Chapple ran was the 1947 Boston Marathon. At the age of 83, he was still logging a 13.5-minute mile. His last race was Homer’s 2012 5K Migration Run, which he finished arm-in-arm with his son, John Chapple III.

Chapple died the morning of June 23, 2012, at the age of 90. It was, ironically, the day of the 2012 Spit Run.

“I had to run it,” said John Chapple III, who completed the 2012 race wearing two bibs, one for himself and one for his father.

Photos of Chapple and the 2013 Spit Run No. 1 racing bib, which was dedicated to him, were on display at the registration area Saturday morning prior to the race. Three generations of the family participated in the run.

Sharing race director responsibilities this year were Andrea Petersen and Mary Kate Green.

“It went great,” said Petersen. “Last year we had about 180-190 participants. This year we certainly increased participation with 312. … (Green) and I have put out there to have 500 participants next year.”

Petersen was kept busy Saturday morning entering last-minute registrations into the computer, while Green and Bill Steyer, coach for the Homer High School cross country and track and field teams, set up the finish line near Land’s End Resort.

“It was absolutely amazing,” said Green. “There were so many people. Homer was represented very well. … I’ve heard that it was one of the best races here in Homer. It was awesome.”

Steyer also was pleased with race.

“Of all the years I’ve been involved with the race, this is the best turnout,” he said. “It was just a wonderful race this year.”

One new feature this year was prizes for the first, second and third stroller-pushing participants to cross the finish line.

“We kept that kind of quiet to see how it would go, but the mommies and daddies I talked to just thought it was wonderful,” said Petersen, adding that racing with a stroller for 6.2 miles is “a very hard thing to do.”

New Kachemak Bay Running Club shirts, designed by Kathy Sarns of Free Spirit Wear, were available for sale at the run and can be ordered through the club.

“We’re super excited that she created this for the running club,” said Petersen. “We’re so blessed to have such a talented person as Kathy in this community.”

A large group of volunteers helped make Saturday’s race a success. Water stations were organized by PHAT, Promoting Health Among Teens; Girl Scouts and the colorfully costumed Homer Hockey Divas. Parents of Homer High School’s football, track and field and cross-country teams also helped out.

“All the volunteers were absolutely phenomenal,” said Green.

Masseuse therapist Megan Davis offered massages at the race’s end, and live music was provided at the after-party on Land’s End Resort’s deck by Kevin Duff.

“I’d like to thank the Homer community for their support,” said Green, who has plans to make the Spit Run “one of the best Alaskan races ever.”

To help that happen, Peterson is already offering to help direct next year’s event.

“I will do it again if the sponsors and the running club allow me to do it, and I know Mary Kate’s on board to do it again, as well. If she’s not, she better be now,” said Petersen, laughing.

The next scheduled run of the Homer Running Club is the July 4 Firecracker, a 6 p.m. one-mile run that begins by circling the Homer High School track and then leads the parade along Pioneer Avenue. Participants are asked to wear red, white and blue. Entry fee is $5 for ages 14 and older, free for 13 and younger.

For more information on the Kachemak Bay Running Club, visit Facebook.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at

mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.

Times Last Name First Name Age Gender
Honorary Chapple Jr John   M
Women’s Results
55:46:00 Chambers Oliva 11 months F
1:09:59:00 Pawuk Savina 1 F
1:27:36:00 Lowney Channing 6 F
1:41:48:00 Brann Autumn 8 months F
1:53:37:00 Ferrell Chloe 2 F
1:53:48:00 Springer Aurora 2 F
1:53:48:00 Springer Anna 4 F
       
43:30:00 Hirsch Barae 14 F
43:30:00 Mitchell Molly 15 F
43:30:00 Waclawski Aurora 15 F
48:06:00 Pitcher Aziza 14 F
50:01:00 Jantzi Pam 16 F
50:44:00 McCormick Danielle 16 F
50:44:00 Fox Sadie 16 F
53:05:00 Pitzman Megan 14 F
55:19:00 Evarts Lauren 14 F
55:27:00 Hagge Izabelle 14 F
55:30:00 McCarron Alison 12 F
57:10:00 McCarron Brenna 12 F
58:55:00 Draves Samantha 14 F
59:20:00 Brunkal Melissa 15 F
59:53:00 Lisec Jordyn 13 F
1:03:13:00 Evarts Brenna 17 F
1:04:11:00 Kostello Keturah 17 F
1:12:18:00 Seay Calla 12 F
1:12:19:00 Hensley Lauren 12 F
1:22:40:00 Paeth Janet 17 F
1:24:26:00 Todd Rylyn 12 F
1:31:08:00 Reutov Tina 13 F
1:36:03:00 Brunkal Haley 11 F
1:39:05:00 Archuleta Maryssa 11 F
       
45:07:00 Bauder Lauren 20 F
46:44:00 Fronrath Barbara 27 F
47:58:00 Mach Melanie 26 F
49:28:00 Sonnerberg Gabi 19 F
49:33:00 Bauder Megan 18 F
49:37:00 Pfeifer Olivia 19 F
50:55:00 Sonnerberg Talia 21 F
51:03:00 Garcia-Roberts Annie 27 F
52:52:00 Wood Alecia 28 F
53:04:00 Greenmun Marcie 28 F
53:28:00 Strittmatter Amanda 25 F
55:22:00 Frye Julie 20 F
57:11:00 McCarron Maggie 21 F
57:21:00 Besse Megan 28 F
58:49:00 Lincoln Krystle 21 F
1:00:09:00 Wilson Lindsey 24 F
1:00:10:00 Steed Brianne 24 F
1:00:39:00 Peltier Megan 28 F
1:00:53:00 Krogman Victoria 27 F
1:00:59:00 Wells Jesse 26 F
1:01:37:00 Sloth Emily 29 F
1:01:40:00 Waldorf Kelsey 22 F
1:02:22:00 Reynold Stephanie 19 F
1:02:22:00 Roedle-Kupilik Anna Marie 28 F
1:03:23:00 Mastolier Valerie 18 F
1:06:38:00 Owens Chelsea 24 F
1:06:43:00 Zerbe Violet 21 F
1:07:27:00 Hart Molly 29 F
1:08:38:00 Leibold Sara 26 F
1:09:47:00 Gregoire Ashley 24 F
1:16:13:00 Erickson Melinda 28 F
1:22:44:00 Haas Kathryn 21 F
1:23:19:00 Heimbuch Hannah 28 F
1:26:22:00 Kastner Chaffee Rachel 28 F
1:26:23:00 Censky Ashley 18 F
1:27:09:00 Pitzman Katie 18 F
1:31:38:00 Jones Brittany 18 F
1:35:38:00 Seed Lydia 25 F
1:36:43:00 Moe Brynn 28 F
1:48:26:00 Lowney Zoe 25 F
1:50:29:00 Cox Michelle 27 F
1:50:30:00 Lightcap Nyla 27 F
       
43:55:00 Nevendorf Rachel 31 F
46:47:00 Van Hemert Ashley 31 F
47:34:00 Ridgely Annie 31 F
49:40:00 Lints Emily 31 F
51:09:00 Seger Hillary 34 F
52:40:00 Restino Carey 39 F
53:09:00 Koester Katie 33 F
53:30:00 Degnam Bridget 31 F
53:46:00 Albright Heather 30 F
54:52:00 Jackson Jennifer 39 F
55:46:00 Chambers Hiromi 37 F
57:34:00 Nabinger Karin 30 F
58:07:00 Booz Jennifer 36 F
59:10:00 Geragotelis Nikki 30 F
59:10:00 Maurer Jasmine 31 F
59:31:00 Smith Tara 37 F
1:00:01:00 Millington Amanda 31 F
1:00:12:00 Gittinger Anne 34 F
1:02:13:00 Anderson Erika 32 F
1:02:16:00 Rozeboom Katrina 31 F
1:03:53:00 Syth Keri 39 F
1:04:29:00 Vogl Kathy 38 F
1:04:40:00 Fefelov Vanessa 32 F
1:05:51:00 Neher Tammy 39 F
1:07:27:00 Barth Amanda 30 F
1:07:27:00 Detrow Cynthia 38 F
1:09:59:00 Pawuk Stephanie 36 F
1:10:13:00 Jones-Vogel Nicole 32 F
1:10:51:00 Smith Betty 31 F
1:13:09:00 Lawrence Kristina 30 F
1:13:23:00 Wood Holly 37 F
1:14:26:00 Drath Roseli 39 F
1:15:22:00 McDonald Dana 37 F
1:17:48:00 Ostrander Cassie 31 F
1:19:44:00 Shafer Tanya 35 F
1:20:33:00 Autry Kate 36 F
1:20:57:00 Hall Kim 32 F
1:21:28:00 Brann Jennifer 35 F
1:21:29:00 Rogers Jillian 35 F
1:23:38:00 Chapple Elysha 31 F
1:24:28:00 Amanda Miotke 33 F
1:33:29:00 James Jessica 30 F
1:33:29:00 Velsko Lacey 31 F
1:36:43:00 Shafer Jeanette 33 F
1:37:46:00 Super Brandy 37 F
1:41:29:00 Baxter Amy 39 F
1:45:27:00 Pratt Carrie Ann 38 F
1:53:42:00 Ferrell Emily 34 F
1:53:46:00 Cloud Jamie 32 F
1:53:46:00 Springer Emilie 35 F
       
45:15:00 Moseley Deborah 43 F
48:30:00 Evarts Fran 41 F
49:56:00 Guerrini Kali 41 F
50:22:00 Boling Beth 46 F
51:13:00 Mauger Sue 48 F
51:15:00 House Joell 43 F
51:25:00 Hudson Saundra 44 F
52:59:00 Baysinger barb 45 F
53:35:00 Berenneman Kimberly 44 F
56:59:00 Lowe Catriona 46 F
57:22:00 Storm Caroline 43 F
58:07:00 Guillian Robin 47 F
1:00:18:00 Sparrow Beth 43 F
1:03:24:00 Mastolier Bonnie 49 F
1:03:55:00 Crowley Kate 40 F
1:05:57:00 Kalytiak Tracy 49 F
1:10:55:00 Day Tina 49 F
1:11:03:00 Chapple Waltenbaugh Jennifer 41 F
1:11:46:00 Spillane Kimberly 40 F
1:12:11:00 Jones Carolee 46 F
1:12:44:00 Sundmark Teresa 45 F
1:14:29:00 Griffard Christine 41 F
1:16:00:00 Thacker Anna 48 F
1:16:58:00 TODD WENDY 44 F
1:23:08:00 Story Tiffanie 41 F
1:24:28:00 Etzwiler Krista 40 F
1:27:37:00 Lowney Shay 42 F
1:45:43:00 Lincoln Kelly Jean 42 F
1:45:43:00 Lonesln Bessie 47 F
1:46:45:00 Flyum Rama 47 F
1:46:45:00 Furnish Penny 49 F
1:46:56:00 Allman Annie 46 F
1:46:56:00 Dean Kathryn 47 F
       
52:21:00 Mach Terri 54 F
54:03:00 Renkert Mary Ann 57 F
57:49:00 Arneson Janet 53 F
58:07:00 Sarns Irwin Kathy 53 F
59:34:00 Marquardt Karen 51 F
59:43:00 Millington Cristy 53 F
1:00:42:00 Prindle-Hess Polly 58 F
1:01:41:00 Schmidt Tara 51 F
1:08:54:00 Zitzmann Lori 55 F
1:09:13:00 Paeth Shannon 52 F
1:09:35:00 Tillion Tracey 50 F
1:09:35:00 Maury Toni 56 F
1:11:33:00 Bauder Molly 55 F
1:13:03:00 Leonard Peggy 56 F
1:16:03:00 Mullen Janet 53 F
1:16:15:00 Edminster Mary 52 F
1:16:44:00 Waxman Claire 55 F
1:16:58:00 Lowney Deb 58 F
1:20:10:00 Scalzi Barbara 59 F
1:21:16:00 frye rebecca 55 F
1:22:45:00 Speigelmyer Terri 52 F
1:22:50:00 Roedl Rhoda 55 F
1:23:33:00 Anderson Christine 52 F
1:24:16:00 Smith Barbara 54 F
1:24:17:00 Peterson Tammy 50 F
1:27:09:00 Birchfield Teri 51 F
1:27:21:00 Comfort Carol 53 F
1:27:38:00 Asselin Tracy 51 F
1:27:51:00 Stead Sherry 58 F
1:33:29:00 Stapel Loretta 57 F
1:35:56:00 Birkhimer Cindy 56 F
1:37:46:00 Hall Pamela 58 F
1:39:30:00 Kulich Angela 52 F
1:50:26:00 Webb Sydney 51 F
1:50:27:00 Thompson Gail 50 F
       
49:57:00 Parker Patrice 60 F
52:49:00 Kleedehn Sarah 60 F
1:00:58:00 Davidson Ellen 65 F
1:07:04:00 Pfeifer Anna 60 F
1:10:43:00 Sweppy Maria 61 F
1:20:33:00 Leichtung Barbara 76 F
1:27:20:00 Steward Joy 62 F
1:28:46:00 Chapple Peggy 65 F
1:36:03:00 Brunkal Judith 73 F
1:39:31:00 Blakeley Barbara 61 F
1:46:56:00 Lowney-Seed Karin 60 F
       
Men’s Results
55:46:00 Chambers Eli 2 M
1:11:36:00 Lowney Parker 10 M
1:26:18:00 Kinslow Xander 7 M
1:26:21:00 Chaffee Kevin 8 M
1:27:21:00 Chaffee Shane 8 M
1:27:21:00 Chaffee Brad 10 M
1:27:36:00 Lowney Thatcher 8 M
1:28:26:00 Chapple Pitzman Owen 9 M
1:53:24:00 Ferrell Carter 5 M
1:53:48:00 Mitchell Ike 1 M
       
36:53:00 Ochoa Pedro 17 M
45:51:00 Seims Logan 16 M
47:46:00 Lowe Dexter 12 M
49:39:00 Lisec Jack 15 M
56:24:00 Stamey Vida 17 M
1:00:53:00 Clutts Luke 12 M
1:03:07:00 Norcross Cole 13 M
1:03:39:00 Story John 15 M
1:09:47:00 Story Christopher 17 M
1:17:47:00 Kalugin German 15 M
1:36:01:00 Kalugin Savely 17 M
       
32:40:00 Moe Jake 28 M
36:08:00 Seims Tux 21 M
40:00:00 McCarron Connor 18 M
40:27:00 Kirk Sam 27 M
41:09:00 Villanueva Jonathan 25 M
41:54:00 Argeneau Grant 18 M
42:11:00 Atchley Evan 19 M
42:14:00 Nevendorf Cody 28 M
42:55:00 Heimbuch Ivan 26 M
43:31:00 Roedl Wilrid 25 M
43:56:00 Stahl David 21 M
44:42:00 Sonnerberg Reuben 23 M
47:59:00 Chang Christopher 22 M
49:13:00 Anderson Ian 29 M
49:38:00 Pfeifer Jeff 21 M
50:15:00 Halsig Dan 25 M
51:52:00 Jones Jesse 28 M
54:11:00 Bloom Kyle 19 M
54:11:00 Hellman Steven 22 M
55:16:00 Donovan Sam 19 M
1:00:44:00 Wideman Jeff 20 M
1:02:11:00 Palmer Chris 28 M
       
38:32:00 Seger Carl 34 M
43:02:00 Petersen Mike 37 M
43:13:00 Sturges Zach 36 M
43:23:00 Peltier Travis 31 M
43:40:00 Tsyganenleo Andrei 38 M
45:54:00 Walker Chris 34 M
47:38:00 Lints Kyle 30 M
48:45:00 Perk Chris 38 M
53:02:00 Greenmun Chris 36 M
53:03:00 Buchanan Ian 30 M
56:40:00 Sharp Jon 30 M
56:41:00 Dan Miotke 33 M
57:57:00 Bateman Ty 30 M
1:00:20:00 sanders jake 30 M
1:10:00:00 Vogel Jeffrey 31 M
1:11:55:00 Spillane James 38 M
1:21:28:00 Brann Joshua 36 M
1:53:36:00 Ferrell Scott 34 M
       
40:56:00 Evarts Marty 45 M
45:26:00 Cooper Joel 49 M
45:38:00 Lincoln Greg 45 M
46:14:00 Boling Todd 44 M
49:41:00 Hirsch Brian 49 M
49:57:00 McDonough Thomas 45 M
50:33:00 Bottum Stephen 47 M
52:18:00 Dean Brian 45 M
1:01:06:00 Waclawski Douglas 44 M
1:01:18:00 Clutts Jesse 41 M
1:03:25:00 Hill John 47 M
1:23:08:00 Story Chris 41 M
1:35:28:00 Nelson Steve 48 M
1:45:26:00 Gifford Kevin 46 M
       
40:56:00 Williamson Lance 55 M
41:15:00 Haas Andy 52 M
41:29:00 Wood Bill 50 M
44:53:00 Hemstreet Mark 51 M
47:24:00 Kincaid Carl 51 M
57:27:00 Schrooten Paul 57 M
1:02:36:00 Anderson John 52 M
1:10:51:00 Millington Bill 55 M
1:23:33:00 Anderson Deland 57 M
1:25:58:00 Riley Mike 53 M
1:27:09:00 Birchfield David 57 M
1:31:39:00 Jones Robert 50 M
1:36:12:00 Birkhimer Darrell 52 M
       
45:14:00 Wiest Randy 61 M
48:18:00 Stamey Ryland   M
52:08:00 Smith Jeff 62 M
54:12:00 Broshes Ralph 68 M
57:53:00 Chapple III John 65 M
58:33:00 Gnad Alan 66 M
1:02:41:00 Berryman Jon 66 M
1:05:05:00 Norcross David 62 M
1:13:49:00 Gene Pelizzoni 75 M
1:13:59:00 Purington Stanley 61 M
1:42:00:00 Randolph Joe 82 M
the Spit. -Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

the Spit. -Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News