The seventh annual Beachside Half Marathon for a Healthy Start continues to expand, and this year saw the addition of a 5K Fun Run along with a Kids Run and Toddler Dash. Runners Depot again tracked the runners’ official times for the race, which took place last Saturday morning at Riverside Park to benefit the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
A first group of 78 runners bolted from the start line for the 13.1 mile USTAF-certified course, followed by 79 participants who ran or walked in the 5K. Once most of the runners had completed their race, the Kids Run and Toddler Dash began, as supporters cheered excitedly, waving placards and balloons.
After crossing the finish line, all half-marathoners received an award of participation, and this year some received a second commendation for having participated in the race at least five years.
“Just completing a half marathon is a success in itself,” said Dr. Glen Tremml, IRCHS board president, who served as a greeter and the unofficial race physician. “It’s hot and a lot of race, so I really respect anyone who comes in later because they were out there so long.”
Tremml’s presence came in handy as three runners collapsed just over the finish line. Two simply needed to sit and drink bottles of water, but another, suffering from heat exhaustion, was whisked to the hospital by IRC Fire Rescue.
Shane Streufert from Viera, who had just completed a full marathon in Berlin two weeks ago, finished first and seemed unfazed by the heat. “Great course, pretty run and the sun actually stayed down for most of the course so it was nice,” said Streufert. He said the last mile was his hardest, as he picked up speed to overtake a runner he had kept pace with the whole route.
“Running just makes me feel alive and is kind of like my release,” said Erin Gollery, the first female to finish. “This was a beautiful run along the ocean, over the river and in all the little neighborhoods. It was nice seeing the best of my hometown.”
The camaraderie between participants was evident all morning long, as runners kidded one another about their times as they loaded up on fruits and carbs at a buffet sponsored by Marine Bank and Trust.
“Many of the runners will bring their family or come with other runners and share a hotel or carpool,” said race director Eddie Branigan. “It is always a nice mix of people, some from Vero and some from around the country.”
Gym owner and fitness trainer Steve Pfeister ran the half marathon for the first time with a client to celebrate her losing 70 pounds.
“I am more of a cross-trainer than a runner but I wanted to see the difficulty. It was tougher than I thought at this level,” said Pfeister. “You are really running in competition with yourself and now I can cross that off my bucket list.”
“It was just a great day for families supporting our youngest citizens. The event went off seamlessly,” said Healthy Start Executive Director Kathie Cain. “All of our volunteers did wonderfully. I am so proud of them.”
The event helps fund the Healthy Start Coalition’s operating budget, enabling it to run its six essential programs and meet its goal of assuring that all pregnant women and their babies receive needed healthcare, support, education and services.
