Men's winner Tim Mocny receives trophy from Joanie Rogucki. Photo by Charles Douglas McEwen.

MILFORD (9/14)- Tim Mocny planned to run a 5:55-mile pace in the John Rogucki Memorial Kensington Challenge 15K until he found Doug Kurtis running next to him.

Kurtis, 50, of Livonia, has won 40 marathons and run 76 sub-2:20 marathons, both world records.

"I was so happy to be running with such a famous runner that I just decided to go for it!" said Mocny, 22, of Chesaning. He took the lead at four miles and went on to triumph in 53:42.

"My last two miles were a little slow," said the winner. "But the rest were 5:45's or faster."

Mocny decided to run his first 15K at the last minute. "I saw a race flyer on the floor last night and decided to do it," he said. "It's a beautiful race: well laid out, with good volunteers, everything you want."

John Walter, 38, of Grand Ledge, finished second in 54:26 and Mika Lavaque-Manty, 36, of Ann Arbor third in 55:54. Kurtis (57:41) was the masters king.

Women's champ Sarah Plaxton legs it in. Photo by Charles Douglas McEwen.

Women's winner Sarah Plaxton, 34, of Highland, crossed in 58:38, her first sub-1:00 clocking at the Challenge. Masters champ Nancy Cassel, 52, of Northville, finished second overall in 1:04:26. Lisa Oleksak, 27, was third.

Ed Traynor, 21, of Taylor, won the 5K in 16:53, followed by Timothy Budzyn, 26, of Ypsilanti (17:03).

"It was challenging," Traynor said. "The 5K course pushed me. That's what I like."

Gary Rizzo, 50, of Ann Arbor, was master's king in 17:46.

Women's 5K honors went to Alyssa Daichendt, 15, of Windsor, Ont. (19:42), just ahead of Ann Arborites Sharlene Day, 33 (19:47) and Tiffany Davis, 24 (19:51). Top master was Tami Bealert, 41, of Canton (21:25).

The Ann Arbor Track Club-coordinated Challenge drew 709 runners and walkers on warm, sunny day. For complete results, go to RunMichigan.com.