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Chilly morning brings out runners
  
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By Robyn Lydick
With a mix of party and somber, at least 1,500 runners and walkers — not counting strollers and barkers — took part in the Turkey Day 5k Thanksgiving morning.
Each year, the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce gives part of the proceeds to the Colorado National Guard Foundation to support families of soldiers on active duty.
This year, the recent death of a National Guard soldier, Jon Stiles of Highlands Ranch, pulled a larger-than-normal number of guardsmen to the run.
“He was in our unit before he was deployed,” said Sgt. John Martinez, as he pinned a race bib on fellow soldier Pfc. Steven Gerdjikian. “We’re out here to show him some love.”
Launa Stiles, widow of Jon Stiles, ran with moral support from her friend Paige Brown.
Brown had clasped Stiles’ hand through a press conference announcing her husband’s death.
Jon Stiles died Nov. 13 in Afghanistan.
Greeting runners was Grand Turkey Bryan Jongewaard, shaking his tail feathers — felt though they were — slapping five and generally working up crowd enthusiasm for running in the 33-degree weather and an intermittent chilly breeze.
Volunteers steered runners to sign-in tables and the lines for the registered runners.
Runners stretched, drank coffee held with gloved hands, and greeted friends.
Volunteers from ThunderRidge High School were watching the bananas and Vitamin Water, post-race snacks for participants.
Marisa Santerella and Kamila Hnuik danced to “Shout” from the “Animal House” soundtrack, played over loudspeakers.
Turnout was more than originally expected.
“We had about 1,400 preregistered,” said Steve Dyer, chamber president. “We are prepared for about 1,700.”
Soon the runners were off with a yell, and 16 minutes later, the first runner was returning.
Paul DiGrappa, 27, of Castle Rock, took first place in the men’s division with a time of 16:02.
Dominique Gerrard, 15, of Highlands Ranch, took first in the women’s division with 19:26, quickly followed by Taylor Gerrard, 12, at 19:52.
After the race, runners and revelers had a chance at CB & Pott’s ButtFace amber ale.
“Come on, you need the carbs,” said Jamie Noebel, chamber board member.
Each year, the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce gives part of the proceeds to the Colorado National Guard Foundation to support families of soldiers on active duty.
This year, the recent death of a National Guard soldier, Jon Stiles of Highlands Ranch, pulled a larger-than-normal number of guardsmen to the run.
“He was in our unit before he was deployed,” said Sgt. John Martinez, as he pinned a race bib on fellow soldier Pfc. Steven Gerdjikian. “We’re out here to show him some love.”
Launa Stiles, widow of Jon Stiles, ran with moral support from her friend Paige Brown.
Brown had clasped Stiles’ hand through a press conference announcing her husband’s death.
Jon Stiles died Nov. 13 in Afghanistan.
Greeting runners was Grand Turkey Bryan Jongewaard, shaking his tail feathers — felt though they were — slapping five and generally working up crowd enthusiasm for running in the 33-degree weather and an intermittent chilly breeze.
Volunteers steered runners to sign-in tables and the lines for the registered runners.
Runners stretched, drank coffee held with gloved hands, and greeted friends.
Volunteers from ThunderRidge High School were watching the bananas and Vitamin Water, post-race snacks for participants.
Marisa Santerella and Kamila Hnuik danced to “Shout” from the “Animal House” soundtrack, played over loudspeakers.
Turnout was more than originally expected.
“We had about 1,400 preregistered,” said Steve Dyer, chamber president. “We are prepared for about 1,700.”
Soon the runners were off with a yell, and 16 minutes later, the first runner was returning.
Paul DiGrappa, 27, of Castle Rock, took first place in the men’s division with a time of 16:02.
Dominique Gerrard, 15, of Highlands Ranch, took first in the women’s division with 19:26, quickly followed by Taylor Gerrard, 12, at 19:52.
After the race, runners and revelers had a chance at CB & Pott’s ButtFace amber ale.
“Come on, you need the carbs,” said Jamie Noebel, chamber board member.
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