The second Sunday in July served up sun drenched skies and temperatures in the 70s for the 30^th anniversary of Huron River Day and Ann Arbor Track Club sponsored Gallup Gallop 5K run, walk and 1-mile competitions.

“A nice, family oriented, local event to celebrate the Huron River,” is how race director, Jo Darlington, described the affair, but don’t be fooled - competitive spirit was far from lost.

Nearly 250 athletes descended upon Gallup Park to run and walk in pursuit of overall, masters, grand masters and age-division bragging rights.  The 5K two-loop course treated athletes to nicely paved paths, wooden bridges, wood chips and a bit of dirt as they battled it out and gave it their all.

Bennett Prud’homme lead the way in the 5K run as he dominated the pack in 17:31.  Prud’homme said that he felt like he was running on his “home turf” since he trains at the park regularly as a member of Washtenaw Community College’s Club Running Team.

“There was good competition,” Prud’homme added.  “We traded spots the whole way.”

Helen Fuller, 19:56, proved victorious for the women.  “It was hot,” Fuller commented, “but there was some nice shade, and I liked the trail.”

Masters honors went to Chris Woodring, 17:53, and Pamela Walker, 22:24 while Roger Lara and Elke Dozauer claimed grand masters accolades in their respective times of 19:10 and 27:02.

Post race festivities proved pleasurable and plentiful as athletes enjoyed watermelon, ample fluids and hand carved awards made of natural maple wood by local artist, Lisa Ramlo, http://www.lisaramlow.com

Proceeds of the event benefited the City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Services Scholarship Fund, which is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by providing park facilities and programs regardless of economic status.

Oodles of largely free adult and child friendly activities followed the race including storytelling and butterfly feedings.  Who knew that butterflies enjoy Gatorade?  Also available were $5 canoe and kayak rentals.  Opportunities to enjoy, learn and love the River were seemingly endless.

Eunice Burns and Shirley Axon who inspired the tradition contend, “We need to know about it (the Huron River) to be a part of it.  We plan all year to make a fun event that highlights and celebrates the River.”

Pam Labadie, Marketing Director of the Huron River Watershed Council, emphasized how reliant the city is on the river for clean drinking water.  “Approximately 85% of Ann Arbor’s water comes from the Huron River.”

A fact and necessity that is far from lost on the athletes including Darlington as the day’s temperatures soared into the upper 80s.

Sadly, this year’s race ended Jo’s six-year reign as Gallup Gallop race director.  Jo’s 5-½ year old son, who will begin kindergarten in the fall, necessitated Darlington’s decision in order to “focus on his school and extracurricular activities".

I’m sad to let it go, but I have to shift my priorities.  This is an awesome race that raises money for a good cause, and the people that I have worked with from the City of Ann Arbor have been wonderful, generous with their assistance and have offered a wonderful venue for our athletes.”

All who are interested in race director responsibilities for the 31^st Annual Gallup Gallop 5K may email, AATC club president, Mitch Garner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For complete results and information on next year’s race and Huron River Day, please visit http://www.aatrackclub.org and click on Events