Anticipation grew as walkers and runners lined up for the 38th annual Wildflower Run’s one-mile and 3.1-mile courses on May 9. Walk or run to compete or to finish? Personal record today?
Either way, 65-degrees with clear skies greeted participants – temps that exercisers like.
Seventy-five people lined up at the corner of 7th and Main Streets and walked or ran the one-mile course at 8:45 a.m. As they made their way through neighborhoods, the 5K (3.1 mile) runners stretched.
A more ambitious group of 387 mostly runners took off at 9:00 a.m. on their 5K.
Spectators moved to the finish line on 7th Street to see family and friends finish.
The first-place male finisher in the 5K was Will Hennum (17:51), age 23. Female winner was Carrington Hessen (18:49) of Tulsa, age 20.
Thereafter, individuals or groups slowly – or quickly – depending on one’s purpose, crossed the finish line. “Two Feet” Laskey, a kick boxer from Tulsa, sprinted to the finish line and almost overtook a runner ahead of him. Catching his breath, he panted, “I’m just happy that God woke me up again. I’m on top of the world right now.”
Dr. Chip Cooper, race organizer, said the $25 entry fee “supports our schools and young adults and athletes. Our goal is to make Bristow the fittest town in Oklahoma. I’m trying to inspire others.” Children under 12 who walked or ran entered free.
Tons of medallions and trophies were given to one-mile and 3.1-mile participants who finished first through third place in their age category. As Dr. Cooper announced prizes, he mentioned a long-time runner, Robert Manning, 80 years old, who completed a 5K. Lucky lottery winners won several $50 cash prizes. Joel McDaniel won a children’s bike and Natalie Wissel, a watch.
This year’s runs were dedicated to Toni Godwin, pictured on the front of tee-shirts.
“She’s over our Bristow Social Services. She does so much good for our whole community,” said Rhonda Humphrey and Rachel Jones. The organization helps several communities in Creek County.
After running a 5K, Mayor Kris Wyatt gave her perspective of the run and festival.
“We’ve had an amazing turnout…lots of visitors to Bristow. This is our flagship event.” She stated Bristow continues to grow with new housing additions and industries.
The beautification project, to renovate and relight the iconic 102-foot-tall Chrysler Plymouth tower, was submitted by the Bristow Historical Society to the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission for funding. Bristow received more than $700,000 in grant money to do it and the tower was dedicated in April.
The Wildflower Run had 13 sponsors, including TDG, Community Bank of Bristow, Spirit Bank and Bristow Tire & Auto.
Some families visited the library, which sits adjacent to the finish line. Inside, drawings and paintings by artists up to age 18 were displayed in a show called, “What’s so great about Bristow?” Plenty, by the number of entries.
The run/walk was a good warm-up before visiting the Tabouleh Fest (separate article).
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