Race History

COURSE RECORDS:

Vladimir Tontchinski, 44, Belarus & Gainesville, FL – 16:09.8 Open, Male (2012)

Averkova Anzhelika, 42, Ukraine & Gainesville, FL – 18:05.5 Open, Female (2012)

Dan Clark, 40, Alachua, FL – 16.59.5 Masters, Male (2012)

Elisabeth Diamond , 51, Bell, Fl – 21:36.7 Masters, Female (2011)

2012

The Tortoise’s challenge to a 5K race at O’Leno State Park on March 3, 2012, was accepted by 268 runners and walkers. They came from 9 states, 17 Florida cities & towns, and 2 foreign countries. Winners of the Open Male and Open Female Divisions were Vladimir Tontchinski of Belarus (16:09) and Averkova Anzhelika (18:05) of Ukraine. Both times are course records and, in addition to their 1^st place Tortoise trophies, they each won $100. Winners of the Male Masters and Female Masters Divisions (40 years & older) were Dan Clark of Alachua, FL (16:59) and Paula Huntsman of New York (23:09). Both received large Tortoise trophies, with Clark winning $50 for setting a Male Masters course record. Winners in the different age group categories were presented their awards by former University of Florida track great (3 times SEC champion in the mile) and critically acclaimed author of books about runners and running (Once a Runner and Again to Carthage), John Parker, Jr. He is a part time resident of High Springs, FL and Bar Harbor, Maine.

The event is hosted by the Friends of O’Leno, Inc., which is the Citizen Support Organization for O’Leno State Park. Proceeds from the race will be used to provide for the animals in the Park’s Nature Center and to build a fund to help expand its exhibits.

Next year’s Race the Tortoise 5K is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013.