LANSING (7/27/03) -- Ellen's Race, born out of tragedy, said goodbye on a high note with a record 1,000-plus entrants in its 5K run/walk, mile and children's fun run.

The event -- launched in 1994 to celebrate the life of late Pinecrest Elementary fourth-grader Ellen Osborn -- is ending because Ellen's parents, Gerald Osborn and Sue Granger, have moved to Missouri. The two were race president and vice president.

"The celebration was Ann Forshee-Crane's idea," said Granger. "Our family had run in a lot of road races. Ann suggested we hold a 5K in Ellen's memory. We agreed. "We wanted to create a family-oriented event that would raise funds for Ele's Place (a Lansing center for grieving children), Pinecrest school and the Michigan Capitol Girl Scouts, because Ellen was a Girl Scout," Granger added. "We've raised close to $140,000 the last 10 years. The race has been a positive way to channel our energy after our tragic loss."

Forshee-Crane directed Ellen's Race for the first five years, then Scott Thompson took over. This year, Crane and several family members competed in Ellen's 5K. Forshee-Crane won her 45-49 age group; her father, Jim Forshee, 77, and aunt, Virginia Forshee, 79, were 75-and-older champs; and her daughter, Abby Crane, was girls nine-and-younger queen.

Lansing couple Chris Hughes, 35, and Elizabeth Hughes, 27, were overall winners in 15:55 and 19:11 respectively. Chris also won the 2001 race; Elizabeth had placed second the last two years.

"It's a great race. It's sad that it's ending," Elizabeth said. Runners-up were David Bills, 17, of Williamston (16:07) and Lisa Bignall, 35, of Haslett (who ran a personal-record 19:39). "It's a hard course to PR, because it has so many turns," Bignall said.

Thirds went to Jeffrey Mulder, 22, of Haslett (16:09) and Maryellen Stornant of Portland (19:57), who was women's masters winner. Roland Hensley, 43, of Dewitt, was men's masters champ (16:39).

"There has been interest in the community for having another race like this," said Thompson. "Once we put Ellen's Race to rest, we will evaluate what comes next." For race results, go to http://www.ellensrace.com. MR