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Woody’s marathon attracts Bentley and area runners

Close to 1,600 runners participated in this year’s Woody’s RV marathon and the event proved to be bigger and better than ever.
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Marsha Lush from Bentley competed in the Woody’s RV 10 K race in Red Deer recently. Lush finished 28th out of 448 runners

Close to 1,600 runners participated in this year’s Woody’s RV marathon and the event proved to be bigger and better than ever.

“It was definitely better than expected,” said race director, Jason Hazlett. “The temperature was perfect for the runners.”

More than 160 runners signed up for the full marathon, 750 runners are scheduled to take part in the half marathon and the 10 k event has been sold out since March.

Marsha Lush from Bentley has competed in the 10K since its inception at the Woody’s event four years ago. This year she came in fifth out of 305 female runners, seventh out of 131 women in her age category and 28th out of the 448 runners who competed in the run.

For Lush, running is a habit, as natural to her as brushing her teeth.

“I have been running since I was a kid and I run an average of four times a week anywhere from five to 10 km at a time. Running has many benefits. It strengthens muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular fitness, is a stress reliever and assists in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Woody’s race is well organized and scenic as it encompasses Red Deer city trails, she added.

“I have competed in many races, but Woody’s is one of my favorites. It is also great that this race is a local event as you see many families and friends competing or volunteering. The morning of the run was a beautiful day.”

Also competing in the 10 k from Bentley school were Myrna Robinson, Kelsey Ruttan and Jill Howe.

Mike Sonnenberg and Travis Wessener competed in the half marathon.

This year’s event included a kid’s race which gave youngsters a chance to complete the last 1.2 k of their marathon quest on race day. The marathon also included a relay race where two runners team up to complete the full marathon course.

This year organizers set up ‘tent city’ a special place along the route where a number of local vendors and sponsors can showcase their business, upcoming races and other promotional items.

Grade 11 and 12 students from Bentley worked at a water stations along the race and the Grade 12s’ won best water station.