Staying warm as Thing 1 and 2

 

Checking out the door prizes which included a stay at the DoubleTree Hilton

 

Checking out the bag of goodies which include some freebies to Biggby and Sky Zone

 

Getting ready before the race in the KDL Kentwood Branch

 

Racers and watchers stayed warm at the KDL Kentwood Branch before the race

 

Before the Valentine’s Dash

 

Some of the runners at a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash 5K. (WKTV)

 

For this race, red was a requirement

 

Several people got into the spirit of the event

 

Before the race actiivities

 

The tables had plenty of candy

 

At a past Kentwood Valentine’s Dash 5K, this running ready for the elements. (WKTV)

 

Racers prepare for the start of the race

 

Getting ready for the big moment

 

Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Spencer McKellar counts down to the start of the race

 

More racers start their journey

 

And the racers keep coming

 

And they are off

 

Heading down the East/West Trail

 

Heading down the East/West Trail

 

Along with going through a Kentwood neighborhood

 

It also followed several city-owned trails

 

The Valentine’s Dash circled through a local park

 

Making sure everyone knew where they were going

 

A snowy friend cheers on the racers

 

Crossing the finish line

 

Many participants enjoyed the post race treats

 

All participants received a Kentwood 50th Anniversary hat

 

A furry friend comes to show support

 

Overall winners Val Thomasma and Josue Vasquez

 

Maggie Boorsma receiving her award

 

Josue Vasquez receiving his award

 

After the race, many spent time visiting

 

Maggie Boorsma, Tony DeMull, and Joanne Boorsma show off their prizes

 

Recreation Program Coordinator Spencer McKellar talks to participant Tony DeMull

 

Checking out the awards

 

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation team

With more than 80 people attending, the  City of Kentwood hosted its first Valentine’s Dash Saturday, Feb. 10.

The number was more than expected, said Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Spencer McKellar, who helped organized the event. Staff decided to host the Valentine’s Dash after the city’s November Ugly Sweater 5K was flooded out due to rain. Looking around, staff learned that not many races were held in February so they decided to host the Valentine’s Dash and were pleasantly surprised at the turnout.

In fact, the turnout is enough to encourage the city to host another one next year, McKellar told participants after the race during the awards ceremony. “So all of you just need to make sure to sign up again next year,” he said.

This year’s overall race winners were Josue Vasquez and Val Thomasma. Age group winners were:

18 and Under

Male- Connor Elliott

Female- Maggie Boorsma

19 to 44

Male- Derek Thomasma

Female- Katie Bozek

45 and Over

Male- David Uitdeflesch

Female- Kristi Diekevers

There also were door prizes donated by several local business including DoubleTree by Hilton, Siegel Jewelers, On the Border, Sky Zone and Biggby.

Staff said they have plans to add on to next year’s race with heart-shaped mile markers and possibly food trucks.

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