A storm blew through Beverly Shores and knocked out the power the night before the 2010 ABSR Necktie Walk and Run. Local runners and walkers were not deterred. The weather cleared and the race kicked off at 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 19.
Over 300 runners and walkers participated in the event. That included 96 individuals who ran walked as part of a Father Daughter or Father Son team (a new record for the Necktie 5K). Participants ranged in age from 7 to 82. Many wore their favorite necktie in honor of Father’s Day. Lindsey Grome, from Lakeshore Public Television, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Troy Ford, the official trainer for the Necktie 5K, led everyone in warm-ups and stretches prior to the start.
The course started at Rebora Plaza, then headed south to Beverly Drive. Four Corners was ablaze with yellow and orange flowers. Runners and walkers continued along Beverly Drive and cut back through town to finish along Lake Front. ABSR members stood at each intersection to redirect traffic and cheer on the runners. They waved pompoms and handed out water to keep the runners cool. Elvis even made an appearance to help direct runners to the finish line. An ambulance from Porter County Health was on hand in case anyone needed assistance (fortunately, no one did).
Chris Shellenberger, of Crown Point, was the overall winner. Chris completed the 3.1 mile course in 17:24 (5:37 per mile). It was a new course record. Audrey Benes was the first woman, finishing in 22:00. Audrey is the daughter of Beverly Shores residents, Christoph and Char Lichtenfeld. Javier De Luna and his son Kyle won the Father Son race. Javier is a Beverly Shores resident. It was the second year in a row that Javier and Kyle won. Ironically, the Father Daughter race was won by the Sons family (Paul Sons and Stacy Sons of Mokena, IL). All winners received glasses that were hand-painted with neckties.
This year’s race was also filled with some inspiring stories. Chloe Hough ran the race with her dad, Greg. The race was Chloe’s Father’s Day present to him. Greg was thrilled with the gift. Gus Ebling, age 9, ran with his father, Brian (both of Beverly Shores). Gus not only won his age group, he cut a minute off his time from last year and the Eblings finished fourth in the Father Son completion. For Jan Marek, the Necktie 5K was her first-ever race. Jan turns 70 next week. Sean Hollick drove all the way from Indianapolis to run the race. He brought a video camera and interviewed runners at the start and finish of the race. He even video taped while he ran. Sean’s video is available on our website, www.necktierun.com.
Richard Vanecko gave up his title as of the “Slowest Man in Beverly Shores”. Dick volunteered for the race this year. Taking his place was Tom Condon. Tom was the last “official” runner at this year’s race. Tom completed the course in a blistering one hour, seven minutes, and fifty-nine seconds. Tom also holds the distinction of being the only man ever to complete the Necktie 5K wearing a pair of crocs…twice. Nice job Tom!
In addition to age group awards, prizes were given for the most interesting and creative neckties. A full list of results are available on our website, www.necktierun.com.
Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped with registration, packet pick-up, water tables, and traffic control. Thank you again to our fabulous sponsors. Also, thanks to the ABSR Program Committee for putting on the event and the ABSR Board for ensuring everything went smoothly.