1999 Bumper Run

(2/10) - Record conditions brought with them record times at the 5th annual Bumper Run held at Stoney Creek MetroPark. Temps in the low 40's and clear skies, by far the best weather seen in the five years this event has been held, had many of the runners shedding their tights and digging their shorts out of Winter storage, a welcome relief during a usually blustery Michigan February. Many of the record field ran times usually only seen during mid-Summer fitness, as well. Kevin Hanson broke his own course record by 2 minutes in posting an eye-popping 32:24 over the approximately 6.4 mile course. Megan Fitzgerald was just as impressive, finishing in 37:41, almost 2 minutes better than her own standard, and finished 4th overall! When asked why the times were so fast, Kevin replied that the conditions were about as perfect as they could ever be for the race, with a clear, dry paved bike path, warm enough temperatures for shorts, and cool enough for running very hard. Many runners took advantage of the pleasant weather to gather near the finish line and cheer the rest of the runners in, rather than the traditional dash for the warmth of the heated shelter house as in past years. And it was worth the wait, as many notable performances were turned in by a very strong field. Rick Straub finished strongly as runner-up in 36:05, but not far behind was Mark Neal in 36:38...PUSHING HIS TWINS Abby and Casey IN THEIR BABY STROLLER!! Jenni Fitzgerald, Megan's sister, was second woman and 5th overall in 38:08, edging out a fast-finishing Rachel Campbell by 5 seconds. Top Master was Butch McWilliams in 38:34. When the last finisher had crossed the line, the field moved into the shelter and enjoyed bagels and refreshments while awards were given out to the top finishers and last place finishers alike. Gift certificates were raffled off, made possible by the generosity of some of the local restaurants in the Warren and Sterling Heights areas. Many thanks go out to Fuddrucker's, The Olive Garden, Buddy's Pizzeria, and AppleBees. T-shirts were donated by Lone Star, and the delicious bagels were supplied by Elaine's and Bruegger's. This event has quickly become a favorite of many of the local runners, as it is a chance to test their Winter legs in this cost-free event against some stiff competition. This run is put on for safety, and commemorates a local runner being hit while running by a truck and surviving, and is a reminder of just how important it is that we run cautiously and can never be too defensive and alert when we're out there logging the miles on the roads, especially in the Winter where there are so many miles run in the dark with the short days. Top Bumper Run finishers were as follows: Men Women 1. Kevin Hanson 32:24 Megan Fitzgerald 37:41 2. Rick Straughen 36:05 JenniFitzgerald 38:08 3. Mark Neal 36:38 Rachel Campbell 38:13 4. Butch McWilliams 38:34 Katie Danyko 38:43 5. Dan Horvath 38:40 Marne Smiley 40:04 6. Jim Laurie 39:07 MichelleKinkela 40:09 7. John Brabbs 39:48 Rebecca Taveine 41:56 8. Bill Jack 40:23 Ruthie Minick 42:02 9. Tim Tazzia 40:55 Stephanie Sliwinski 42:53 10. Jay Trempler 46:10 Stephanie Proos 44:22 11. Dave Bolam 46:18 Andrea Sutter 45:22 12. Pat Roche 46:21 Antonia Vivian 48:42 13. JR Falls 46:40 Janet Lisiecki 48:59 14. Paul Johnson 47:45 Kristin Martin 51:44 15. Jamie Worthy 51:00 16. David Howell 55:26 17. Tom Wrobel 60:00