Kenosha YMCA deems 43rd Firecracker 5K a success

Runners make their way along First Ave. during the Firecracker Run.PHOTOS: KENOSHA YMCA

On Sunday, June 27, the Kenosha YMCA hosted the 43rd Firecracker Run through Kenosha’s historic third avenue district. Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the race saw over 300 registrants and 50 volunteers on the course to cheer them along.

Competitors get ready at the starting line.

Congratulations to the overall winners Johnny Binzak (15:22) and Lisa Johnson (20:01).

This year’s age group winners (male and female) were as follows:

14-under—Caughney Freese (17:43) and Lorelai Freese (22:23). 15-19—Kyle Pflug (17:05) and Tess Callahan (22:35). 20-24—Nathan Glinski (18:00) and Kathryn Mckinnon (25:37). 25-29—Charles Kusk (23:50) and Katie Verheyen (23:00). 30-34—Steve Byron (22:01) and Brittany Lumley (21:54). 35-39—Dmitry Filippov (18:08) and Meghan O’Connell (21:02). 40-44—Brian Falcone (17:09) and Deb Scoggin (27:41). 45-49—Horacio Martinez (21:08) and Rebecca Gemmell (25:42). 50-54—Steve Gardner (23:03) and Patricia Walters (27:12). 55-59—Steve Pavlik (22:28) and Maureen Miller (27:38). 60-64—Bob Paulson (22:10) and Arlene Martin (30:25). 65-69—Steve Brinkman (29:01) and Connie Rinaldi (34:02). 70-74—Dave McGrath (31:53) and Trudy Farrell (45:42).

This year’s Spirit Award went to a very well-dressed family. Congratulations to James & Melaine Danielson and Maddie & Myranda Monnie!

The Spirit Award winners.

The Firecracker and all Y special events bring community together in a fun and healthy way to raise funds that support life-changing programs offered free of charge to the community.

The Firecracker Run, presented by Uline and sponsored by Snap-on, Finish and Plating Service, Herzing University, Festival Foods, and Visit Kenosha, lifts up our community through the Miracle League, Frank Neighborhood Project, Frank and Brass School Achievers, Safety Around Water, Livestrong at the YMCA and the John & Judy Wavro Scholarship fund.

Kenosha YMCA Health and Wellness Director Tenille Fick said: “This was an awesome day! I’m extremely happy and proud to have people back together again and enjoying themselves. The event was a huge success. It was wonderful to be able to hold this race again and see all the smiles on peoples faces. So fun!

“This event, or any of our events for that matter, would not be possible without the help of volunteers, so I’d like to take a moment to give a huge shout out and thank you to all.”