Chances are that if you read this website, you're into a healthy lifestyle and are also saddened by the growing obesity rates of our children. Kim 'K-Bad' Badgett, (left, after the 2008 Disney Half Marathon) a teacher at Challenger Seven elementary school in Port St. John, offered 'The Mileage Club' to the school's students to promote physical fitness. So many kids responded that Kim had to cut the membership to 100! Check out the video, "Going the Distance" that Central Florida News 13 did on the program: http://www.cfnews13.com/FamilyAndHome/YourKids/2008/1/29/going_the_distance.html

Since there is no funding for the program, Kim needs our help to provide each participant with a medal at their year-end celebration on March 19. If you would like to donate any old medals for the students, drop spots are available at Challenger Seven in Port St. John; Titusville high school in Titusville, Apollo Realty in Cocoa Beach and Running Zone in Melbourne. Medals can also be donated at the Terrier Trot 5K in Titusville on March 1 or at the Eye of the Dragon 10K in Melbourne on March 15.

Questions? Contact Kim at kbad@cfl.rr.com or call her at 639-1012.

Sunny and (way too) warm skies greeted more than 5,000 participants lining up for the inaugural "26.2 With Donna - the National Marathon and Half Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer" at 8:30 a.m. this morning on the Jacksonville campus of the Mayo Clinic. The tranquil setting provided the perfect start for the out-and-back beachside course as 100 percent of the funds raised were being donated to breast cancer research at Mayo and to women living with breast cancer.

The race was founded by Donna Hicken through her foundation, The Donna Hicken Foundation, which funds the critical needs of underserved women who are fighting breast cancer.  Hicken, herself, is a two-time breast cancer survivor who has completed several marathons after her diagnoses.

Local marathon finishers included April Goodwin, 5:32:13; Bernadette Jones, 5:57:34; Debbie Molina, 5:03:52; Mary Wills, 4:26:50. Brevard's half marathon finishers included Mike Albritton, 2:11:25; Stephanie Anderson, 3:59:42; Jill Boyd, 4:18:42; Debra Brickhouse, 3:54:33; Mary Beth Ellison, 4:18:43; Joe Gallagher, 3:18:36; Daniel Hesford, 3:31:52; Jean Hesford, 3:31:51; Mary Mott, 4:18:44; Lisa Myer, 3:44:48; Amber Robertson, 3:21:06; Kimberly Robertson, 3:21:45; Sherry Thorpe, 2:33:14; Ileen White, 4:18:41.

Complete information about the race as well as all results can be found at http://www.breastcancermarathon.com/

Further south, just over 3,000 toed the line at the 6 a.m. start of the 3rd annual A1A Marathon and Half Marathon in Ft. Lauderdale. Local marathon finishers included Joe Ninke, 3:59:27 and Wayne Wright, 4:55:55.

Those running the half found out that one can still rock at any age as Johnny Ouweleen, photo left, took first in the 65-69 age group in 1:39:05. Other local finishers included Andrew Collanue, 2:30:54; Meisje Connor, 2:03:40; Carolyn Fast, 2:32:42; Mark Hagan, 2:23:31;  Loran Serwin, 1:40:59; Danielle Stern, 2:05:05; Dorothy Stoll, 2:21:46; Norman White, 2:15:15; Teresa Williams, 2:19:27; Christy Zieres, 2:09:59.  Go to www.a1amarathon.com for complete results.

Last Sunday's Lady Track Shack 5K drew 1,257 competitors - ages 8 to 81 - to its Meade Gardens finish line in Winter Park and Satellite Beach's Ashley Shiver led them all. The 16-year-old Up and Running racing team member ran alone along the final cobblestones, taking the victory  in 19:02

Other local ladies participating included Elizabeth Angus, 50:05; Evelin Bonilla, 32:02; Nancy Buonanni, 2nd 45-49, 21:21; Gina Caccamo, 33:10; Kerstin Dea, 1st 30-34, 20:32; Kim Duguay, 30:29; Karen Furton-Sparks, 31:26; Althea Hewitt, 1st 8-10, 21:32; Kelley Hewitt, 22:18; Moey Hewitt, 3rd 15-19; 24:05; Lynn Levine, 37:13; Michelle Lyle, 23:55; Jennifer Meacham, 25:50; Gail Martorana, 50:05; Willy Moolenaar, 1st 65-69, 26:57; Blanche Morrison, 31:27; Shaundre Parcel, 55:52; Elizabeth Ring, 25:59; Kathleen Shiver, 26:53; Nicole Shiver, 26:53; Rebecca Sparks, 22:38; Sue Strout, 3rd 50-54, 23:03; Daniela Torrez, 32:02; Sandra Walker, 25:19.

Five Floridians pocketed $13,000 and two locals qualified for Boston this morning at the Gasparilla Distance Classic Marathon in Tampa. Ronnie Holassie, 36, of Hollywood took the men's top spot, earning $3,000 for his win plus a $1,500 bonus for running a sub 2:30. Holassie hit the line in 2:22:23, creating an almost 17-minute gap on Knoxville's Bob Adams, who placed second in 2:39:11. As only Florida residents were eligible for the cash, Adams missed out on the ca-ching but Tampa's Phillip Walkins, 48, collected $1,000 for this third place finish of 2:39:47.

The top three ladies all returned home a bit richer, as well, with Melanie Peters, 24, of St. Petersburg, also earning three grand plus an additional $1,500 for beating the 2:50 mark with her victory of 2:46:45. Jacksonville's Kim Pawelek, 34, earned $2,000 for second place but her 2:55:40 finish was 40 seconds short of the bonus bucks. Orlando's Michelle Nunez, 33, took third in 3:04:01 as well as $1,000 for her effort.

Runners from Brevard county also turned some great times with Up & Running racing team members Theresa Miller, photo above left, and Angela Wells earning qualifying spots to the Boston Marathon. Miller, 48, of Merritt Island, needed 4:00 or under and finished with time to spare in 3:57:23. Wells, 42, also of Merritt Island, needed 3:50 and also finished with some breathing room as she crossed the line in 3:48:20.

Others who completed the 26.2-mile course, which is advertised as fast and flat, include James Croft, 3:11:13; and Ed Springer, 3:17:45, both Up & Running team members and Dennis Fertiq, 4:13:16..

Also lining up this morning, but finishing earlier were those who did the Gasparilla Half Marathon.  Local finishers include Joseph Dietz, 1:40:37; Dave Donovan, 1:41:35; Adam Fertiq, 2:06:16; Jeremy Flint, 1:55:02; Marisa Flint, 2:24:24; Daryl Gilbert, 2:12:52; Chester Jones, 1:51:00; Brent Mitchell, 1:52:30; Michelle Smurl, 1:50:25; Patricia Torpy, 1:41:12, Robert Touchston, 2:21:28; Tom Winkelspecht, 1:45:10.

Those wishing to participate in the Gasparilla weekend but wanting to run something shorter, had their choice of the 5K and/or 15K events yesterday and about two dozen locals did one or the other. Those finishing the 5K included Edward Bain, 32:08; Rosanne Bessenaire, 29:34;  Rosemary Browning, 42:47; Justin Burdge, 43:07; Debra Burns, 2nd 25-29, 21:43; Angela Day, 35:18; Joseph Dietz, 22:37; Ken Flieder, 33:10; Becky Grant, 28:26; Marcia Jeddrie, 26:53; Lesa Kaleel, 48:58; Lee Ann Nawrocki, 21:16; Cynthia Nicholas, 29:46; Shialine Payne, 29:46; Chris Rego, 16:44; Jason Rife, 30:49; Doug Sonosky, 29:00; Tracey Strickland, 46:33.  15K finishers included Joseph Dietz, who also ran the 5K, 1:08:12; Mark Hagan, 57:43; Steven Huff, 1:58:53; Jeannette Thomas, 1:24:59; Christina Tucker, 1:32:46.

Destroy. Obliterate. Annihilate. 

That's what Viera's Jessica Crate did this morning to the previous Tiger Dash 10K women's record of 37:59 set in 2004 by Ft. Lauderdale's Stacie Alboucrek. Crate, a 22-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep and co-founder of the non-profit shoes4thesoul.org, crossed the line of race number seven in the 10-race Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year series in 37:15, demolishing the old record by a whopping 44 seconds. Ken Horton photo of Crate, left, at last month's Winter Blast 5K which Crate also won.

Crate's finesse of foot maintained her series points lead and forced her competitors to raise their 'A game' as well.

Palm Bay's Tracy Smith, 35, and one of Crate's Running Zone racing teammates, knocked 1:02 off of her winning time  from last year's race to take second. Kara Niedermeier, 30, who won her age group last year in 44:30, returned to her Cape Canaveral home today with third overall and an almost three minute drop with her 41:43 finish.

Merritt Island's Nancy Buonanni, 46, repeated last year's Master's win, this year crossing the line in 43:17.

While the top  ladies had previous 10K  experience, men's winner John "Tarzan' Culver, 18, left, had never even raced a 10K before. The Merritt Island senior began the 6.2-mile event in a pack with Holy Trinity's Kyle Cooke and Cooke's cross country coach, Doug Butler.

"At two miles, they took off," said the Merritt Island high school AP honors student and cross country standout, who is hoping to learn of his potential future with the University of Florida next Friday afternoon at 5 p.m.. "At mile four I caught up and passed them. Kyle looked like he was hurting."

Ironically, it was Cooke, 18, who had encouraged Culver to start off conservatively and pick up the pace on the way in.

After hearing someone yell Cooke's name near the finish and realizing he could be out-kicked, Culver picked it up harder and hit the line first in 34:42. Cooke followed for second 10 seconds later in 34:52 and West Melbourne's Steve Hedgespeth, 29, was third in 35:22.

West Melbourne's Mike Wasson, 42 and the current male points leader of the Runner of the Year series, grabbed Master's in 35:44.

Last year's male 10K winner, Kyle Butler, left in Ken Horton's photo of today's race, chose instead to run the 5K this year and the final outcome was the same as the 19-year-old Florida Atlantic University freshman sporting an aero mohawk took the win in 16:54. Palm Bay's David Kilgore, 16, was second in 17:20 and 14-year-old Joey Castagnaro took third in 17:38.

Local neurologist Tom Hoffman, 56, took Master's in 21:17.

On the ladies' side, an unfortunate scheduling of the ACT, kept race record holder (17:19 in 2007) and four-time Tiger Dash 5K repeat winner, Kayla Hale, away from the BCC pavilion of Wickham Park.

Instead, it was Titusville's Devin Spoerle, 18, Ken Horton photo left, who took the top spot in 19:15. Melissa 'speedstick' Jones, of Rockledge, took second in 20:12 and 33-year-old Kati Craig, was third in 21:51.

In spite of Kayla's absence, the Hale  household does hold a 2008 Tiger Dash trophy tonight, however, as Kayla's mom, Sue Hale, took Master's in 21:55.

For complete Tiger Dash results, log on to http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/08tigerdash.txt

And don't forget to check out Ken Horton's race day video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZS06o0GhI interviews with lots o' different runners at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA7b8Mlzf7U and interviews with Dave Kilgore and Joey Castagnaro at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeDrO7V5mzYas well as his still  photos at http://www.icunphotos.com/pics/run080209/index.php

Also listen for Ron Hoar's radio interviews with Jessica Crate, John Culver, Devin Spoerle and Kyle Butler this week on station 94.1 FM broadcasting out of Windover Farms in Melbourne to central Brevard.

Ron talks with Jessica and Kyle on Monday at 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. and again on Tuesday at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. plus 4:45 and 5:45 p.m.  His interviews with Devin and John can then be heard on Thursday at 7:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. and on Friday at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. as well as at 4:45 p.m.

Congrats to all who raced and volunteered today, raising money for Holy Trinity's cross country and track teams!

Look for complete coverage here tomorrow on locals who are competing in this weekend's Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend including a 5K, 15K, Half Marathon and Marathon.

GOOD FAIRY VISITS MELBOURNE

Saturday and Sunday were busy days for Brevard's runners and cyclists. Closest to home, the Good Fairy (photo left, Ken Horton photo) paid a visit to the Tooth Trot 5K held at the BCC pavilion of Wickham Park in Melbourne. This year's turnout was one of the smallest - about 120 finishers - but those who attended said it offered some of the best amenities such as 40 quality door prizes like dinner at Carrabbas, Olive Garden, etc. and a long buffet of delicious breakfast items all donated by local merchants.  The cause was a good one.  Since February is National Children's Dental Month, local dentists use the event to raise money for Give Kids a Smile.  Children who aren't covered by Medicaid or a family dental plan are able to receive what most of us take for granted - dental cleanings and repair - through the program. In 2007 alone, 758,000 kids were treated in 2,250 locations around the US, including Brevard. Although the dentists volunteer their time and skills at no cost, the money raised is need to cover lab costs and supplies to keep kids smiling.

Mike Wasson, photo left, and Candice McNaughton had reason to smile as they neared the finish line and the magic tap of the Good Fairy's wand as she greeted each finisher.  Wasson, 42 and the current points leader of the Space Coast Runner Runner of the Year series, led the field to take the win in 16:40. 16-year-old Charles Ballou took second in 17:37 and Mark Koenig, 49, visiting from Woodstock, Illinois was third in 18-flat.

In the ladies race, Melbourne high school senior Candice McNaughton took her first overall win in 19:57. Stephanie Bird, 17,whose mom, Jerilyn, directed the race, grabbed second in 21:10 and Lori Kruger, 45, came in third in 22:58.

Congrats to Jerilyn, the volunteers and all who raced to help our kids smile! Complete Tooth Trot race results are available at http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/08toothtrot.txt Check out Ken Horton's photo gallary of the race at http://www.icunphotos.com/pics/run080202/index.php

SHAVED LEGS AND LYCRA

Out in the middle of the Deseret Ranch cattle frontier in eastern Osceola county, pick-up trucks, cowboys and vultures are the norm. Guys with shaved legs wearing colorful, tight lycra are not. No wonder some of the locals rumbling by on Deer Park Road had to look twice at the cyclists flying down the road on their high tech machines wearing pointy, futuristic helmets.(Left: Byron Barnes, SCVS president, steadies Michelle Smurl as she awaits the countdown to start her 20K time trial. Photo: Sponsler)

Space Coast Velo Sport, Brevard's rapidly morphing cycling club, sponsored the event, providing athletes the opportunity to race individually against the clock on both or either of the 10K and 20K distances and teams were invited to duke it out at the 20K. The venue was perfect for the inaugural event providing smooth, fast, almost flat pavement with very minimal traffic.  It was pretty exciting stuff and the competition ranged from novice to pro and elementary school students to seniors beyond seventy.

Many Brevard residents made the lonely drive to take their first shot at the growing sport. Those who participated include: Winter Time Trial10K finishers and average miles per hour: Daniel Ciuro, 22.9; Bob Cooper, 22.9; Tom Hoffman, third, 55+, 22.9; Linda Hopkins, 18.9; Kim Hunger, 1st women's, 21.5; Erin Schuck, 18.5; Anselm Teather, second 10-14, 9.5' Guy Thibodeau, second, 45-54, 23.6. 20K finishers and average miles per hour: Byron Barnes, 19.4; Chris Burrough, 22.9; Daniel Ciuro, 22.8; Bob Cooper, 22.7; Rob Downey, 22.0; Tom Downey, 24.5; Tom Hoffman, 22.6; Phil Hopkins, 25.9; Kim Hunger, 21.0; Steve Lufkin, 23.1; Greg Poole, 24.8; William Patterson, 20.5; David Shanks, 29.0; Michelle Smurl, 20.9; Gary Stern, second, 35-44, 27.9; Christian Teather, second, 10-14, 18.5; Guy Thibodeau, 17.5; Dan Wenger, 23.7; Jim Wright, third, 45-54, 26.8. Local Team 20K finishes and average miles per hour: Atlantic Shores Velo, second, 28.3; Photo at left: Gary Stern takes a pull during the 20K team time trial. Rob Downey photo. Space Coast Velo sport, sixth, 25.7; Team Anaerobia, seventh, 23.7.

Other than a results glitch that was corrected within hours, the event was extremely well organized and managed. Huge props to event directors Phil and Linda Hopkins for putting together such a stellar event and congrats to all who raced - especially those taking that first, intimidating plunge!! Photo left: Phil and Linda Hopkins. Geri Egan photo. Check out Rob Downey's photo gallery of the teams at http://www.spacecoastvelosport.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=9;pg=1;u=63 Rob competed in the individual 20K, posting an impressive 22 mph even after being off the bike for eight weeks due to knee surgery.Complete time trial results are available at http://www.spacecoastvelosport.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=027b40caec58627d779f78593142d016;www

WIPE THOSE FEET YOUNG MAN!

In spite of the rumor that Buttar moved to North Carolina, their 2008 race calendar still provides some events for central Florida. Ok, maybe not always the best in terms of quality, but there are left a handful of tris and road races.  Saturday's Extreme distances in Wetlands Park in Christmas is one of them.  Runners had their choice of the marathon, half, 10K or 5K and the following locals completed these events: Extreme Marathon: Matt Mahoney, 1st 50-54, 3:39:41(Left: Ken Horton of Matt at Winter Blast 5K). Extreme Half Marathon: Tyler Andrew, 2nd 20-24, 2:03:38; Cyndi Bergs, 2:09:10; Cameron Cole, 3rd 30-34; 2:04:10; April Farley, 3rd 30-34; 2:35:41; Tony Favata, 3rd Clydesdale, 2:11:38; Daryl Gilbert, 2:16:02; Mark Hagan, 1st OA, 1:24:53; Jordan Halstead, 3rd 40-44, 1:54:29; Paul Haynicz, 2nd Military, 1:54:33; John Holmquist, 1:57:54; James Mankowski, 2:11:31; Lori Nedesur, 1st 20-24, 2:11:49; Susie O'Connell, 1st 55-59, 2:19:52; Ferah Ozbek, 2:35:41; Jim Schaeffer, 1:48:42; Steve Szabo, 2:18:01; Ashlee Toothman, 2nd 15-19, 2:35:41;Robert Touchston, 2:21:53. Extreme 10K: Dennis Abraham, 1st 55-59, 1:15:04; Ernie Diaz, 1st, 25-29, 46:56; John Graves, 3rd 40-44; 55:35; Kim Payzant, 3rd Athena, 1:05:51; Sarah Payzant, 1st 11-14, 1:02:56.

NEW GROUP LONG RUN BORN FEB. 3 AT 7 A.M.

It was a boy and a girl and, really, about 30 boys and girls (Some who ran stuck around for a shot. Sponsler photo) who helped launch the first Space Coast Runners Sunday fun run at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. Linda Cowart and Suzie Enlow gave birth to the idea and put down water and Gatorade in two places on the out-and-back course of Rockledge Drive. SCR is paying for the Gatoraide, cups and water that the ladies put down and will continue to do so as they continue to bring back free, local fun runs throughout the county. The run is open to all walkers and runners regardless of ability and the road is marked mile-by-mile so individuals can choose how far they wish to go. Thanks to Linda and Suziee for giving runners a chance to run with a group in the central part of Brevard!