Locals Lead the Pack In First Cedar Point 5K Challenge

Area runners capture top honors in men’s and women’s division

Monday, 20 June 2011

Cedar Point Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio – Area runners captured top honors in the men’s and women’s division in the first Cedar Point 5k Challenge held earlier this morning (Sunday, June 19) at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort.

Sixteen-year-old Michael Decker of Perkins Township was the top overall finisher with a time of 16:44.  Decker, a junior cross-country star at Perkins High School, also won first place in last fall’s Sandusky Bay Conference Meet.

“I am excited about my performance,” Decker said.  “I was pleased with my time.  It is early in the season.”

Overall, nearly 500 runners competed in the first-year event.  The race also had some national and international appeal.  There were nearly two dozen states represented in the event.  Plus, runners from Canada and Germany came abroad to race.

“It was a really nice course with some great scenery,” said Jaclyn Jensen, of Sandusky, who was the top overall finisher in the women’s division.  She had a time of 19:21.  “I think this was a great idea and event.  I hope they do it again next year.”

The race’s 5,000-meter (3.1 miles) course led runners from the tollbooths in the main parking lot, up the main midway to Frontiertown and down the other side of the midway before finishing in the park’s public picnic shelter.

A portion of the race proceeds will be used to support the cross-country teams at Sandusky High School, St. Mary Central Catholic High School and Perkins High School. 

For their efforts, Decker and Jensen received plaques featuring Snoopy.  The top three male and female placers in the event’s seven different age groups also received a commemorative race medal.

For complete race results, please visit the event’s web site at:
www.cedarpoint5kchallenge.com.