By Rachel Galvin

The cooler weather was a refreshing change for the participants of this year’s Dunn’s Run.

For the 18^th year, the large crowd lined up behind the starting line for the 5K walk/ run and 5 mile run benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

With a time of 16:59, Gabe Leitz was the first to cross the finish line. A winner last year as well, Leitz was barely breathing hard after the race, although he said, “I sound better than I feel.”

Gabe Leitz, winner of 5K race, was the first across the finish line.

The first woman across was Valerie Mebane with a time of 20:17. She had to walk it off following the run, but had her training partner with her to cheer her on.

The five mile winners came in at 26:21 and 29:39, respectively, Chris Miller and Alice Henley, who easily got lost among the crowd, which gradually took over the street to welcome the runners and walkers.

Besides the race, there also were plenty of vendor booths to peruse and several types of auctions conducted following, as well as the awards ceremony.

To see all the results, visit www.splitsecondtiming.com.

See more pictures in the October 9 issue of Observer Newspaper. SEE VIDEO ON OBSERVER TV!

Photo by David Volz

–By Rachel Galvin —

On Oct. 2, Dunn’s Run15th Annual Race kicked off from Deerfield Beach and back with thousands of participants, running or walking toward the finish line. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The race has raised about $3 million for the organization through the years. Not only was this early morning (7:30 a.m.) race an opportunity for people to show their competitive spirit and beat their personal best, but also was a way to show support for the community. Many arrived to walk or run with their teams or individually. Some walked with their children or pushed them in strollers while enjoying the sunrise and the beautiful beach view. Congressman Allen West came all the way from Washington D.C. to partake in his tradition of running with the American flag through the streets of Deerfield. Even CRA director Keven Klopp came out to run for the first time this year.

Then there were the competitors, like Brian Dillard, who won the 5k in the men’s division, and Rachel Ginsberg, who won in the female division. The Deerfield Beach High Cross Country team had many runners compete this year and place. Awards were given for various age categories. For more results, visit www.splitsecondtiming.com.

In addition to all the running and walking, there was also much mingling and browsing through vendor booths. Panera bread came out to serve up some good eats and the band Atlas Shrugged performed.

Check ObserverTV to view race start

Click here for results from the 5k race

Click here for results from the 5 mile race