UM Heartcare Dominos Stampede of Races
Photo by Carter Sherline, Frog Prince Studios

ANN ARBOR (4/6) - Having spent most of the last four years working for the Peace Corps in Mongolia, where the temperature frequently dipped to -40 degrees, Eric Ellis found the windy, +32 degrees weather at the Stampede of Races to his liking.

Ellis, 27, of Addison, won the 5K, held at Dominos Farms, in 15:53.

"This was the first road race I've run in four years," Ellis said. "The last 5K I ran, I won in almost the same time."

Nancy Cassell, 52, of Northville, came into the 5K a bit more worried about the frigid environs.

"While warming up, I felt really cold," said Cassell, women's 5K winner in 19:40. "But once race started, it was fine."

The Mitral Mile, part of this magazine's Michigan Runner of the Year series, followed the 5K. Kris Warszawski, 42, of Northville, captured the men's masters race in 5:01.

"The first half was against the wind," Warszawski said. "The second half was against geography."

Theresa Kopach, 40, of Ann Arbor, claimed the women's mile in 5:42. "This was the first timed mile I've ever run," said Kopach. "It wasn't easy. It's not a flat course."

In the 10K, John Sieber, 27, of St. Clair Shores, took the men's race in 32:04. "I liked the out-and-back course," Sieber said. "It was challenging. Between the wind and hills, it keeps you honest."

The women's 10K went to Lisa Hesse, 39, of Ann Arbor, who finished in 39:01. "The conditions were perfect for me," she said.

Rich Stark, 36, won the men's 20K in 1:04:52. Runnerup Doug Kurtis was masters champ in 1:09:59. Wanda Gunderson, 43, of Whitemore Lake, claimed the women's race in 1:28:49. Gunderson also captured the women's Buff Bison award for the best combined time in the 5K, mile and 20K. She was third in the mile (6:22) and second in the 5K (21:11).

Mark Scoles, 25, of Monroe, claimed the men's Buff Bison. He was second in the mile (5:03), and third in both the 5K (16:32) and 20K (1:10:32).

The Stampede, a benefit for Project Hope, attracted 651 runners and walkers. All results are posted on the event website at www.AthleticVentures.com. MR