Despite the weather, 2011 FWO honoree, Ellen Nitz, is all smilesSpring took a sabbatical, Sunday May 15th, during the 29th annual For Women Only 5K, held on the grounds of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti.

Dawn was met with chilly temperatures, which dropped as the morning wore on.

Staunch winds gained force.

Rain came down in buckets.

Dismal course conditions notwithstanding, nearly 200 spirited ladies, budding and in full bloom, attacked the two-loop course, in a style all their own.

Lisa Essien, one of the many devoted volunteers who also endured all Mother Nature had to offer, witnessed the performance and enthused, “Despite the course conditions, all of the ladies were upbeat! Who else but women, go out to a race in these conditions and do it anyway!”

Do it, indeed.

Danielle Fowler, 32 of Kenockee, stormed her way to victory in a winning time of 20:58.

Pamela Walker, 42 of Westland, claimed Masters honors, 21:55 and Grace Harrison, 64 of Ann Arbor, prevailed for the Grand Masters, 22:55.

Each year, this beautiful, long-standing event honors one exceptional athlete for her contributions to our sport.

Ellen Nitz, 70 of Brighton, has been a champion of the community, in more ways than one, for years on end. Fleet of foot, Ellen’s running resume is long and deep, as is her commitment to the Ann Arbor Track Club and countless others in need of service.

First year race director, Rachel Ingle, was right on the mark, when she announced, “With all that Ellen has done for the Ann Arbor running community and beyond, along with all of her running accomplishments, we feel that this award is long overdue!”

And to no surprise, Nitz barely skipped a beat in her transformation from race volunteer, to age division winner, 28:05, and back once again to fulfilling her duty, an invaluable ally in the day’s success.

Thirteen year old, Brianna Essien of Plymouth completed her first 5K race and was appreciative of all the support given by volunteers and runners alike.

“I was scared at first, but after the first mile, my muscles were happy, and I thought, ‘I can do this!’

Do it she did, placing second in her age division, 26:08 – an admirable start to any running career.

Ingle encourages everyone to join her in 2012 for the 30th running of the FWO 5K and promises that “better weather is on order!”

For race day photos, complete results and information on next year’s event, please visit http://www.aatrackclub.org/