The 37 th Wildflower Run, held the same day as the Tabouleh Fest, is a great way to run off extra energy. This year’s event had 14 sponsors and was dedicated to Bob and Carol Webb, ages 86 and 85, respectfully, who have run or walked every year. Their picture was printed on 2025 Wildflower Run tee-shirts.
Why hold the run? As Cooper says every year,“Our purpose is to make Bristow the fittest town in Oklahoma.” The majority of the $25 entry fee (6 th graders who completed the Pirate Workout ran free) goes to the Shannon Hilburn Scholarship fund. Last year, about $2,500 was donated.
At 8:45 a.m., 56 children and a few adults ran or walked the onemile fun run, followed by a big crowd of 302 for the 5K run.
They energetically took off when the start gun fired. Men’s first place went to Kamden Evans, age 15, with a time of 19:06 and women’s first place was earned by Lauren Bunch of Tulsa with a time of 20:05. William Jirik finished out of breath. “I’m glad I made it,” he gasped. It was his first run since 8 th grade. Despite just getting over having colds, Bob and Carol Webb completed one more for the record. Bob said they do it because
See Wildflower Run, Page Three “it’s for our health. We just like to do it.” He is grateful Dr. Chip Cooper, the organizer, because he is a big encourager. After the run, Carol said, “I’m just happy we could make it.”
Every participant received a medallion. There were monetary prizes too: $100 for first place finishers, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. A boy and a girl under the age of 12 won a bike during a raffle. Cruz Batschelett of Bristow, age 7, smiled broadly as he got his bicycle.
As reported in our April 8 edition, not only do the Webbs participate in Bristow’s 5K run, but have entered and enjoyed 5Ks in Tulsa’s Run For a Cure and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Phoenix, Arizona, with all their family members running together. The Webbs said, “None of the 5K runs compare to Bristow’s Wildflower Run.” They said Chip Cooper, along with wonderful friends and committees have made Bristow’s Wildflower Run the very best. Carolynsaid,“Youdon’thave to be in top shape or a distance runner to compete. Bristow’s Wildflower Run is an experience you will never forget.”