LPGA run draws 450 in Rogers

Justin McMurtrey and his wife, Melanie McMurtrey, wait Saturday at the starting area with their children before the 5K@The LPGA at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers. Melanie combs the hair of their son, Bennett, with Connor (left) and Austin also in the stroller. Bennett, Austin and Connor are triplets.
Justin McMurtrey and his wife, Melanie McMurtrey, wait Saturday at the starting area with their children before the 5K@The LPGA at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers. Melanie combs the hair of their son, Bennett, with Connor (left) and Austin also in the stroller. Bennett, Austin and Connor are triplets.

ROGERS -- More than 450 people participated Saturday morning in the inaugural 5K@ the LPGA.

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NWA Democrat-Gazette

Runners dash Saturday from the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion at the start of the run.

The run was part of the events for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and started and ended at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion.

Andy Kaufmann of Rogers said he participates in three or four races each year. He started running four years ago with his daughter.

Kaufmann said Saturday's 5K was a great community event and gave people a chance to rally around a great cause and also promote health and fitness.

Kaufmann said he enjoys running. "It's gotten men off the couch and on the road," he said.

Mike Joubert of Rogers said he runs in about a dozen events each year. Joubert said running is a great way to stay fit and also help good causes.

Sandy Tush of Bentonville said she's been running for many years. "It energizes me," she said. "It's my way to stay healthy and it keeps me motivated."

Tush said she enjoys the positive atmosphere at the events. It's not really about the competition, according to Tush.

"It's about people being out here supporting one another," Tush said. "It's also good for the community."

Alex McClary was the first man to complete the 5K. His time was 16:30.

"It was a really fun race and it is always good to support a good cause," McClary said.

McClary said he enjoyed the course. "I definitely had fun with it," he said.k

McClary's wife, Keri, was the first female to finish the 5K. Her time was 19.20.

"It was really a fun race and it is always good to support a good cause," Keri McClary said.

Both McClarys were runners for the University of Arkansas.

Alex McClary said he runs each morning around Lake Fayetteville and he enjoys just enjoying running and having fun instead of the competition.

Danny Guevara Jr. ,14, of Bentonville participated in Saturday's run. Guevara said he runs for Bentonville High School's cross country team and is trying to stay in shape.

Annye DeGrand, marketing and community relations manager for Octagon, said 460 people registered for the 5K. DeGrand said they have only received positive responses concerning the 5K.

Mercy received $5,000 from the tournament and $5,000 from Proctor & Gamble, DeGrand said.

"We are definitely looking forward to having one next year," DeGrand said.m

NW News on 06/28/2015

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