Yes, the kids are smiling in the Capital City River Run Smile Mile.
LANSING (9/25/05) - The numeric significance of the 13th annual Capital City River Run didn't scare anyone away.

A record 952 runners and walkers showed up on a dark, gloomy morning to join the 5K or 10-mile races, or the 20-mile training run. Another 150 or so kids ran the Smile Mile or 1/4-mile Slime Dash.

"This is one of the warmer days we've had," said Dan Casey, who has helped organize this event for the past 10 years. "It was stick out there too. Some years we've had to warn people about ice on the bridges. That wasn't a problem today."

The run, hosted by the Impression 5 Science Center, takes place on the Lansing River Trail and crosses several wooden bridges.

This year's competitors included First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, who finished the 10-mile in 1:24:17, and William Hatten, 44, of Portand, who became the first wheelchair racer ever to complete the 10-mile, clocking 1:12:08.

"He's a strong guy," said race director Dick Miles of Hatten. "It's a tough course for wheelers. He was excited to be part of this year's race."

The overall 10-mile winners were Eric Stuber, 42, of Lansing (57:19) and Sarah Kaechele, 28, of Middleville (1:10:39). Patrick Wehrman, 24, of Pinkney (16:10) and Laurie Decker, 45, of Cadillac (19:59) captured the 5K.

Stuber also won the 10-mile in 1999 and finished runner-up last year. It was Kaechele's first win here.

"I enjoyed the race," said Kaechele. "I definitely plan to be back next year.".

"The course is beautiful," added Decker. "My husband and I liked the long-sleeved race t-shirts too."

For complete results, go to www.ccriverrun.org. To learn more about the Impression 5 Science Center, go to www.impression5.org. MR