Runners make their way to Sloan’s Lake for the 9th Annual North Side Stride

Read the story as it appeared on the front page of North Denver News.

DENVER – On Saturday, June 28, over 150 runners gathered once again at Sloan’s Lake for the annual North Side Stride 5K and 10K.  The event has become a regular feature for the neighborhood since its debut in 2000, attracting runners of all skill levels.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Dr. Jeffrey Young, the track and cross country coach at North High School and owner Planned Pethood Plus veterinary hospital.  “With overcast skies and a cool June breeze, it was weather made for racing.”

The winners of the 2008 North Side Stride 10K were Omar Martinez of Denver (34:48) and Samantha Martinez Towne of Grand Junction (44:44).  Finishing first in the 5K were Brice Young of Boulder (16:08) and Esmeralda Martinez-Ramos of Grand Junction (19:12).  Prizes were awarded to top-placing teams and individual runners according to age group.  The race also included a 400-meter children’s fun run.

The race enjoyed the support from numerous sponsors from small businesses and restaurants around North Denver, who contributed awards that were distributed after the race in a prize drawing.

Proceeds from the race will all go to benefit the Marcia Mounsey Foundation, a neighborhood organization dedicated to providing scholarships for art, music, and athletic training to children in Northwest Denver.

“Ever since I started coaching, I wanted to host a road race in Northwest Denver, and to my knowledge, we’re the only event of its kind at Sloan’s Lake,” added Young.  “I’ve been grateful to the steady neighborhood support since the beginning, and we keep seeing new faces every year.”

For more information about the Marcia Marcia Foundation and to see more photos from the race, visit www.marciamounsey.org.  Complete race results can be seen at www.plannedpethoodposse.org.

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