Short Run, Long Day Draws its Largest Crowd Ever

This year's Short Run on a Long Day 5K Run/Walk in Frankfort's had it largest number of registered runners since it started in 2000. There were a total of 403 participants signed up for the race, which broke the record set last year of 397, according to Short Run on a Long Day 5K Run/Walk administrator Cali DeBella.

"It was our biggest number of runners yet," said DeBella. "We were hoping for between 350 to 400 participants."

CONTEST:

The race started at 7 p.m., and the first racer to pass the finish line came in less than 16 minutes later. Arturs Bareivis, 25, won the event with a time of 15:35 and a pace of 5:02 per mile.

Not far behind him was the first overall female finisher, Sarah Grzybek of Tinley Park, with a time of 19:21.

"I worked all day, and it's 90 degrees, so I'm happy with just making it out," said Grzybek who is part of the Tinley Track and Trail running group.

Once the race was over, water and pizza was given to the runners and walkers. Sprinklers also were available for the contestants to walk through and cool down.

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Runners and walkers alike all seemed content with how the event unfolded.

"There are only a handful of evening races," said Homewood resident Rich Matula on what seperates 5K run/walk from other races. "The atmosphere is a little more fun, and everyone is more awake."

The race was held literally on the longest day of the year, according to DeBella. There were microchips used for timing instead of pull tabs that were used in the past, as well.

Trophies were given to overall male and female winners, along with medals for all first-place finishers in each age group, male and female.

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