Rohr Park in Bonita, CA was the place to be for San Diego runners on Saturday, June 19. More than three-hundred runners, joggers, and walkers ranging in age from nine to eighty-five years old toed the line for the 7:30 A.M. start of the Bonita 5000. The USATF sanctioned, 3.1 mile race, hosted by The Bonita Road Runners, raised money to support local area high school track and cross country teams. All of the finishers were rewarded with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Bonita Optimist Club as well as prizes donated by other races sponsors Nutrition Zone,www.RoadID.com, and Pat & Oscar’s. The top three finishers in each age division were awarded medals for their competitive times.

Eighteen year old Leo Banales of Brawley, CA took the men’s title with a time of 16:02, an impressive five minutes and nine seconds per mile pace. Slightly over a minute later, the first female, Jennifer Santamaria, crossed the finish line in 17:14. In the Masters Division, forty-four year old Juan Naranjo broke the tape in 16:29 for the men and fifty-seven year old Mariat Fernandez did the same in 21:28 for the women.

The festive morning held one other race for the younger runners. The Kids 1K Fun Run was open to children as young as three years old and was led by none other than the Cat in the Hat. All of the children who participated in the .62 mile event received a medal for their achievement. Based on the smiles on their faces, it seemed they all came in first place.

Official race results have been posted on the Bonita Road Runners website.