Runners start the 4th annual Eastpoint Lions Club 5K
EASTPOINTE (8/7/05) - Daniel Zinser, 20, of Roseville, set a course record winning the Eastpointe Lions Club 5K, while Carol Freilich, 53, of Sterling Heights, edged Maggie Zidar, 50, of Pontiac, for the women's title.

The fourth-year event, which also included a one-mile run, had record 97 participants, said race director Kim Lubinski. "This is first time we've had anyone run faster than 16 minutes," Lubinski said.

Zinser, a senior at the University of Detroit, won in 15:49, 10 seconds slower than his PR.

"This is a course for a fast time," said Zinser. "It's flat as a pancake. There's a couple turns, but it's basically all straightaways."

Matt Shroeder, 34, finished second in 15:58.

Zinser's U-of-D teammates, Mead Goedert, 21 (16:28) and Andrew Hayner, 19 (17:04) were third and fourth overall. Todd Kelly, 44, was fifth overall and the first masters finisher (17:54).

In a battle between masters women, Freilich was first in 21:59, followed by Zidar (22:23) and last year's champion, Maureen Bracey, 43 (22:25).

Freilich led most of the race. "Toward the end, I heard breathing behind me and thought, 'Whoever it is, I have to stay ahead,'" she said.

Marie Rivard, 49, was fourth (23:03) and Kristina Bollin, 19, fifth (23:41).

Mark Stabley won the mile in 6:32. Third overall in 6:59, and the women's winner, was Zidar, who completed her 101st marathon earlier this year.

All proceeds went to Leader Dogs for the Blind. The run also included a post-race pancake breakfast.

"I love any race where they have pancakes afterward," said Freilich. "It's a big incentive to get to the finish line fast!" MR