". . . it was the most enjoyable 10K I've ever run," said winner Amy Kohlmeier.
DOWAGIAC (7/30/05) - On her way to winning the 31st annual Steve's Run 10K, Notre Dame junior Amy Kohlmeier hurdled the hay bale but opted not to jump over the stone fence or two-foot log.

"I broke my femur during my freshman year," she explained. "I've also had stress fractures in my legs, and went through leg surgery last May.

"I didn't want to take chances by leaping over things today."

The Steve's Run 10K traverses part of a golf course, a cemetery, the Southwestern Michigan College campus and the undulating hills of a nature preserve. In the preserve, runners have the option of jumping over the stone fence, log and hay bale.

"I was nervous going into this race, because I'd heard it was hilly, tough course," said Kohlmeier. "It was tough, but it was the most enjoyable 10K I've ever run. And the volunteers were wonderful!"

Kohlmeier, originally from Sarnia, Ont., finished in 38:36. Next came Mary Ballinger, 17, of Chesterton, Ind. (40:43) and Elena Branden, 18 (41:35). Peggy Zeeb, 47, of Colon, led the masters women (43:26).

Kohlmeier was the only Notre Dame woman in this year's race, but six Fighting Irish men competed in the 10K and 5K.

Last year, Tim Moore ran most of the 10K with teammates Kaleb VanOrt and Sean O'Donnell. Over the last 50 yards, Moore picked up his pace to beat them.

"They razzed me all year for doing that," said Moore, 21, of Novi. "This is supposed to be just a training run for us."

This year, matching each other stride-for-stride as they crossed the finish, Moore and VanOrt, 21, of Waterloo, Ind., tied for first in 32:33. Matt Jones finished third in 33:21. Mike Haag, 46, of Bremen, Ind., was the top master in 37:18.

In the 5K another Notre Damer, Vinny Ambrico, 22, won the men's race, while University of Detroit-Mercy graduate Andrea Hutchins, 28, of St. Joseph, captured the women's title.

Ambrico (15:20) beat defending champ Paul Barrons, 25, of Kalamazoo (15:30) and Justin Kowalski, 19, of Mishawauka, Ind. (16:15). Charles Fox, 46, of Plymouth, Ind., led the masters (16:21).

Hutchins won her second-straight women's 5K, whittling her time down from 18:32 last year to 18:17.

"I was familiar with course, having run it last year," Hutchins said. "I was more confident today, and I'm probably in better shape overall. Two weeks ago, I ran my 5K PR (18:08). It's been a good year so far."

Following Hutchins across the finish line were Kelsey Nielsen, 18, of Bremen, Ind. (19:35) and Jackie Green, 20, of Portage (19:46). Sherry Fritz, 40, of Niles, was the top masters woman (21:19).

Steve's Run takes place in memory of Steven Briegel, an SMC honors graduate who died of cancer.

"People wear 'In Memory of ...' signs on their backs," said Hutchins.

"Signs along the course provide inspiration. With the music and volunteers, there's a spirit to this race that no others have."

Participants who are cancer survivors wore special t-shirts. Steve's Run is coordinated by the college and directed by Ron Gunn. MR