Borgess Run for the Health of It
Photo By Carter Sherline

KALAMAZOO (4/26/03) -- Eric Johnson hoped to break 1:15 in the National City Half-Marathon at the Borgess Run for the Health of It. Taking advantage of cool, clear weather, he did better.

Johnson, an Aquinas College senior from Flint, won by almost a mile in a personal-record 1:12:39.

"I needed to break 1:15 to qualify for the NAIA marathon championship May 24," Johnson said. "So winning the race and getting a PR were icing on the cake."

Finshing second and third were runners nearly twice Johnson' age: masters Chris Glowacki of Freeland (1:17:35) and Kris Warzawski of Northville (1:18:12).

Janet Becker of Grand Rapids led pretty much start to finish in the women's race, winning in 1:23:22. Laura Ankrum of Grand Blanc, who gave birth last July, placed second in 1:25:18; followed by Borgess physical therapist Kristin Walstad of Plainwell (1:25:42).

Robin Sarris-Hallop of Ann Arbor led the masters in 1:31:54. Portage Northern cross-country coach Dan Higgason, 33, won the men's 5K in 16:22, topping Steve Reffitt of Pinkney (16:33) and top master Felix Brooks (16:38).

Theresa Padilla was women's 5K queen for the fifth-straight time, crossing in 19:14. "I felt wonderful," said Padilla, 32, of Coldwater. "I broke out to get my place and I just kept going." Allison Wolf of Kalamazoo placed second in 20:31, and Peggy Zeeb of Colon third with a 20:40.

Ex-Olympian Gary Morgan, 43, of Clarkston, won the judged 5K racewalk in 23:22. It was his 11th Borgess title in 12 attempts. "I keep coming back because the sponsors do a super job putting this race on," Morgan said.

Debbie Topham, 50, of Marysville, defended her women's racewalk crown with a 29:14.

The weekend event, which included a 5K Family Fitness Walk, Motivational Mile and Kids Fun Run, drew more than 3,300 participants. For complete results, visit

www.borgessrun.com. MR